Pickleball group says council overturned park permit despite completed application

During public comment, Tim Kraut of the Ojai Valley Pickleball Group told commissioners that the city council overturned a previously granted permit for the group’s use of Lower Libby Park. Kraut said the group completed the application, paid court rental fees and obtained insurance, but the council upheld an appeal and denied the permit.

Kraut argued the council decision disregarded the permit process (referencing procedure 4‑3.403) and zoning that allows that type of recreational use. “We had followed all 6 of those requirements of that permit process…and they still denied it,” Kraut said. He warned the decision could set a precedent allowing neighbors to appeal permitted park uses.

Chair Taylor offered to take a copy of Kraut’s paperwork so staff could review it, and staff said Christie could make copies for the commission. No commissioner motion or formal action on the permit was taken during this meeting; staff and commissioners noted the public comment and moved on to agenda items.