Newport Beach : City Softens Rules on Basketball Hours

Trying to soften the blow for local hoopsters, the City Council has agreed to loosen a proposed ban on night basketball on public courts.

The council decided Monday to prohibit night play only on courts within 300 feet of homes. Officials will also begin enforcing the ban at sunset or 7 p.m.--whichever comes later--to allow for extended daylight hours in the summer.

The council had earlier given preliminary approval to a complete ban on the use of outdoor public basketball courts between the hours of sundown and 8 a.m.

The ban was proposed in response to late-night noise complaints from residents who live near public courts. Although none of the city courts are outfitted with lights, die-hard players have continued to shoot hoops at night using the light of street lamps.

Gary Lovell, one resident, complained that the constant pounding of bouncing basketballs is so loud and annoying that “you could throw a pillow over your head and you can’t drown it out.” The Balboa Peninsula resident lives next door to the courts at Newport Elementary School on 13th Street.

Mayor Phil Sansone noted he had received similar complaints from residents who live near the courts at the end of Mesa Drive. “They say that it’s legalized torture,” Sansone said.

But Councilman John C. Cox Jr. said a citywide ban was too harsh and unfair, particularly when other sports, such as baseball, are allowed in public parks at night. “Here we go again, regulating something that’s as clean and healthful as basketball,” he said. “We’re taking away an entertainment or exercise opportunity here.”

Cox made the proposal that night playing be prohibited only on courts within 300 feet of homes. Councilman John Hedges then proposed that “sunset or 7 p.m.” be specified as the beginning time for the ban, which will last until 8 a.m. and be enforced on a complaint basis.

The council will officially adopt the revised law on Aug. 24.