The Town of Matthews publishes its own Unified Development Ordinance, zoning maps and planning applications. Its application page says certain submissions follow a joint presubmission and Post Construction Ordinance meeting with Town and Mecklenburg County staff. That process is not proof that a private residential court needs the same meeting, but it shows why both authorities may matter for development work.
Matthews also keeps records of court-specific commercial amendments. In 2026 it approved an amendment for a cover over existing courts at a racket facility. That commercial case has different zoning and scale from a backyard court. Use it only as evidence that court structures, setbacks and approved site plans can receive project-specific review.
What should be asked of Matthews planning?
Provide the property address, zoning, pad size, lot-line distances, grading, drainage outlet, fence, walls and lights. Ask how a private residential sport court is classified and which yard and setback standards apply.
Check whether the property has conditional zoning, an overlay or an approved site plan. Matthews publishes interactive zoning resources but warns that its maps are reference tools rather than legal, survey or engineering documents.
Ask whether a site review, zoning determination or driveway question applies. Keep the current written response with the design.
How can Mecklenburg County enter the process?
County Code Enforcement handles building and trade permits where required. County Storm Water Services works with Matthews on drainage and land-development matters. The County maps hard surface and receives land-development submissions through Accela.
Ask which office reviews the court pad, retaining work, erosion, electrical lights and inspections. Show responsibilities in the proposal rather than using one line marked “permits.”
What should be measured on a Matthews lot?
Measure the full playing pad. USA Pickleball recommends at least 30 by 60 feet, with 34 by 64 feet preferred. Add fence thickness, gates, drainage, wall work, paths and the construction route.
Older or compact lots may have established trees, narrow side access and nearby homes. Newer neighborhoods may have HOA review and managed drainage. Neither setting should be assumed from the ZIP code alone.
Mark easements and utility corridors. Confirm them through current records or a survey before fixing the pad.
Why is runoff part of the local reader job?
The completed surface can add 1,800 square feet or more of hard area. Map roof, drive, patio and yard water. Show where court water reaches a swale, drain or other accepted outlet.
County Storm Water Services says it works with Matthews to maintain and improve drainage systems. That public role does not make a private discharge acceptable. Ask for a property-specific path and maintenance plan.
How should sound and lighting be considered?
Show nearby windows, patios and shared boundaries on the layout. Discuss hours, distance, court direction, fence and quieter equipment. A landscape screen may help views but should not be called sound control without evidence.
For lights, record pole location, height, foundation, fixture aiming, controls and the power route. Ask the Town and electrical authority which drawings or permits apply. Check HOA rules separately.
What should a Matthews, NC proposal include?
Use one list for site information, access, clearing, grade, drainage, aggregate, base, playing finish, equipment, fence, lights, approvals and restoration. Ask each provider to mark all exclusions and owner duties.
If a subcontractor builds the base and another installs the surface, state who accepts slope, finish, moisture and low spots. Review the base and drainage guide before comparing totals.
Current public cost bands are broad. See the 2026 cost guide for named sources and a worksheet. Do not transfer a commercial covered-court cost or a public conversion price to a backyard build.
Official Matthews starting points
- Matthews planning applications
- Matthews GIS and zoning maps
- Mecklenburg County permitting
- Mecklenburg County land development
- Mecklenburg County impervious mapping
Send one plan to each reviewer
Keep the plan plain. Show the full pad, fence, gates, poles and walls. Add the old and new grade. Draw the water route. State the surface and access path.
Ask the Town which land-use step fits. Ask the County which building, trade or land step fits. Keep each reply. If one office sends you back to the other, note the staff name and date.
Test the Matthews, NC layout on the ground
Use safe stakes at the pad corners. Walk the run-off area, not only the lines. Open the planned gate. Look up at branches and wires. Check how a player would reach the court. Stand near the closest home and think about sound and light.
Visit after rain. Mark every wet spot. Follow the water to its outlet. Ask if the new pad blocks an old swale. A short field check can stop a poor layout.
Build the final scope from the site facts
Name all clearing and earthwork. Name the stone and base. Name the surface system. Add fence, net, lights and repair of the yard. Put forms and checks on their own lines.
If the plan relies on an owner task, set a due date. If a site fact is unknown, set a fair price rule before work. Read the final scope beside the site plan. They should tell the same story.
Keep both with the signed agreement and each later change. Store photos with that same record.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Matthews zoning map settle the property answer?
No. The Town says its GIS is for reference and directs users to primary records and the responsible departments.
Does a commercial court amendment apply to a home?
No. Commercial cases can show review topics, but a residential parcel needs its own code and staff answer.
Who reviews drainage in Matthews, NC?
Town and County roles can interact. Describe the full work and ask each office which part it controls.