On Tuesday, the Oakley Planning Commission will discuss plans for an outdoor golf practice facility by Golfballin.
Brandon Johnson, the applicant, plans to build an outdoor golf practice facility which includes hitting bays, associated netting, putting greens and bunkers. He is also seeking a conditional use permit for the outdoor display of golf carts in front of the building.
Currently, Golfballin sits on a 1-acre parcel that had been previously used as a gardening nursery at Almondtree Lane and Main Street where it is being used to self golf merchandise, golf carts, simulation rentals, golf lessons as the property is awaiting approval to make investments into the practice facility.
Two Conditional Use Permit Requests by Golfballin:
- The first proposed condition mandates that any driving practice occur within an insulated, fully enclosed structure. City Staff have determined that outdoor driving practice and the associated noise are incompatible with the nearby residential properties, some located within 100 feet of the proposed bays. The unpermitted driving bays currently face the closest homes, raising concerns not only regarding noise but also regarding responsible long-term maintenance of the essential netting in such close proximity to residences. When considering special conditions, care is taken to avoid putting an undue burden on a business operator. In this case, City Staff first reviewed golf facilities both within our local area and within cities regarded as “golf friendly” to explore existing conditions elsewhere and alternative solutions.
Locally, driving ranges like Shadow Lakes in Brentwood and Oakhurst Golf Club in Clayton maintain at least 250 feet separation from homes – which can be interpreted as having accepted an “assumed risk” by building simultaneously with the courses. Further research into cities deemed “golf friendly” (Scottsdale, Orlando, Las Vegas) by golf publications revealed most practice facilities in those cities exceed 300’ from residences, with the few exceptions within 100’ being exclusively indoor practice facilities. One outdoor range 150’ from homes existed in a case where homes were constructed alongside it and a sole example was found in Orlando built after homes were constructed. This review allowed City Staff to conclude that the proposed condition was the appropriate solution to allow the project to meet the required findings for approval and that there were not examples of successful alternatives.
- The second condition limits displayed golf carts to three in front of the business. The operator’s proposed uses are interpreted to require all 19 on-site parking spaces. The operator has also demonstrated in the materials they’ve submitted that there is room in front of the property for three golf carts without covering landscaping critical to the visual compatibility with the surrounding area. City Staff do not find that a use similar to the previously approved car sales is appropriate at this location, today.
Project Description per GolfBallin:
The retail space will be used for golf repairs, retail merchandise and indoor lessons in a simulator room. The addition that we are proposing will include 6 indoor/outdoor hitting bays with on screen simulators.
For the hitting bay netting we plan to drape two layers of custom netting over steel cabling between the metal hitting bay structure and the fence- with the intention of removing any gaps or seams, so that the netting is all encompassing without gaps or seams. The concept is that of a batting cage. We are using the highest grade and quality netting.
The immense primary putting green will be in between the hitting bay structure and the secondary putting green. Synthetic grass will be used for this, as well as the facility entirely.
There will be a 30×60 tent covering the secondary putting green. This will ensure that patrons will be shielded from both sun and weather, for year-round pleasure.
In the far northwest corner of the property will be a smaller putting green with two sand bunkers. This will be enclosed with netting. Preexisting pressure treated 4×4 poles that are 12 feet in height will have ¼ inch steel cabling that will run from pole to pole. These will also have custom, double layered high grade netting draping over the steel cables, ensuring seamless gaps providing no outlet for balls to escape.
The southwest corner of the property will be used for retail golf carts. It will serve as the primary staging location for golf cart inventory, with the hopes of being permitted to showcase some retail carts in front of the property for easy visualization to frequent traffic.
Objectives and Goals:
- Increased business traffic for downtown area
- Affordable recreation providing improved quality of life to community.
- State of the art simulators will provide a comprehensive analysis of shots, improve technique for any level of golfer all while providing a fun and relaxing environment to attract families as well as entice beginners.
- Provide a one stop shop for equipment, clothing, repairs, and lessons.
- Offer the newest golf innovations and products made by small business owners as well as affordable, quality used name brand golf equipment.
- Community outreach program for junior golfers where they will be offered a monthly, free golf clinic.
- Provide family entertainment with outdoor games such as cornhole, large scale connect four, chess, Jenga etc. Along with an array of classic and modern arcade games that are free of charge
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the resolution, approving the project titled “Golfballin’ Practice Facility and Outdoor Display of Golf Carts, Design Review and Conditional Use Permits (DR 03-24, CUP 04-24, CUP 05-24)”, as conditioned.
If You Go:
Oakley Planning Commission
June 4, 2024
6:30 pm
3231 Main Street, Oakley CA
Full Agenda – click here
