Repeated impact noise
The sharp, recurring sound of a bat striking a ball could carry into nearby homes and outdoor living spaces.
Santa Ynez Valley · A neighborhood campaign
FOUL BALLSYV
When backyard recreation crosses the property line.
A large batting cage project is taking shape beside our homes, with what neighbors describe as a commercial-scale concrete foundation already poured. Help neighbors on Remington Drive and Country Road seek County action before construction goes any further.
Contact the CountyIllustrative batting cage photograph. Not the project on Remington Drive.
01 / The issue
A backyard project.
A neighborhood impact.
Current stage · Neighbor reportConcrete foundation poured. County zoning staff have been informed and have visited the site. Communication sent to Supervisor Joan Hartmann has been acknowledged, with a commitment to research the matter and respond.
Reported September 2026.
Reported September 2026.
Neighbors report that a large concrete slab has been poured for a batting cage project approximately 40 feet from one home's front door, near surrounding homes and gardens.
We support families playing ball and helping children develop their skills. Our concern is the scale of this project, the prospect of repeated batting noise, and whether the intended use extends to paid coaching or commercial activity.
A conditional use permit may be required, depending on the intended use and the County’s determination. Neighbors are concerned that the foundation already extends into areas where setbacks may apply. We are asking the County to confirm the required setbacks and whether the existing foundation complies, and to establish appropriate limits on any use it approves. Permit requirements and any violations remain subject to County review.
Our goal is County action before the cages go up. We are asking for a written review and a halt to any work that violates applicable requirements.
Commercial use has not been independently established, and this campaign does not claim that the County has found a violation.
Residential or commercial?
The County should determine whether the facility is intended for private recreation, paid instruction, or another organized use, and what approvals apply.
Construction at the boundary
Neighbors are asking for review of the slab, planned enclosure, setbacks, and drainage before further construction.
The action we are asking for
County review before construction advances.
We ask Santa Barbara County to provide a written determination of the intended use, required permits, applicable setbacks, drainage requirements, and noise or operating restrictions. If work violates those requirements, we ask the County to stop that work and require correction before construction continues.
A conditional use permit may be required. That is a question for the County, not an established finding. Any approval should address the impacts on surrounding homes.
Contact the CountyThe actual project
What neighbors are seeing.
These are photographs of the project and the adjoining residential setting, not the illustrative facility in the hero image.
Documented
The photographs show a poured slab and steel pipes. A neighborhood letter dated September 2, 2026 requests County review.
Neighbor-reported concerns
Proximity to homes, repeated impact noise, runoff in a low-lying area, and possible paid coaching or commercial activity. These concerns are not County findings.
Questions for the County
What use is proposed? Which permits and setbacks apply? Does the work comply? What limits on noise, hours, drainage, or operations would apply if approved?
Status as reported September 6, 2026
Where the review stands.
- By September 2, 2026
Foundation and steel components documented in the photographs accompanying the neighborhood letter.
- September 2, 2026
Letter dated to Supervisor Joan Hartmann requesting review of construction, permits, setbacks, noise, and drainage. The campaign reports that it was sent.
- Reported September 6, 2026
Neighbors report that zoning staff were informed and visited, and that the Supervisor’s office acknowledged the communication with a commitment to research and respond. Exact visit and acknowledgment dates have not been verified.
- Awaiting a substantive response
No written County determination has been supplied to this campaign for publication. A visit or acknowledgment does not establish a violation or approval.
Sources: neighborhood letter dated September 2, 2026; its two photographic exhibits; campaign organizer’s September 6 update. Personal correspondence is not published here.
Conversation
60–70 dBA
PickleballCourtside · average maximum
92.2 dBA LASmax
TennisMaximum sound power
95 dB LWAFmax
RoosterAt 0.5 meter
102 dB
Motorcycles & dirt bikes
80–110 dBA
Aluminum batSoftball · peak near batter’s ear
120.2–124.6 dBC
Sirens
110–129 dBA
03 / Make your concern heard
Ask for answers.
Request action.
Contact County officials about the batting cage project near Remington Drive and Country Road. Describe what you have personally observed and how it could affect your home.
Ask for a review of intended use, permit requirements, noise, setbacks, and drainage. Request a written response.
Supervisor Joan HartmannSanta Barbara County · Third District
Open official County contact details
Open official County contact details
Planning & DevelopmentCounty code enforcement
Open official building / zoning complaint instructions
Open official building / zoning complaint instructions
Keep the focus on the project. Please communicate respectfully and distinguish firsthand observations from assumptions.
04 / Add your voice
Protect the peace
of our neighborhood.
Join the campaign for updates on this batting cage project, County responses, and opportunities to speak up.
Organized by Foul Ball SYV
For neighbors on Remington Drive, Country Road, and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley.