Dublin's Planning and Zoning Commission approved two outdoor pickleball courts at Vista Community Church, ending after two postponements.

The commission voted Oct. 15 to approve an amended development plan for the church's 6.63-acre property at 5626 Frantz Road. The plan allows two regulation-size courts, each 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, in the southeast corner of the parking lot, according to the city's planning report.

The courts will replace 53 parking spaces. The site currently has 471 spaces, and the church and its secondary tenant, Beacon Counseling, use 120 combined. That leaves 298 spaces after the conversion.

Vista Church first brought the proposal to the commission on Jan. 15. The commission postponed the case 7-0 so the church could reconsider where to put the courts. On Feb. 5, commissioners tabled it again by a 5-0 vote.

The church resubmitted the plan on July 17 with the courts moved to the southeast portion of the site. The planning report describes that location as sensitively placed with mature vegetation surrounding the perimeter.

Ron Roman, the applicant representing Vista Church, met with leaders of the Llewellyn Farms Civic Association on Oct. 22, 2025, according to the case record. Rich Wicker, the association's president, and Treasurer Jill Zelle attended. The planning report states the association's president expressed support and raised no objections. The church followed up with the association again in June 2026.

The approved courts will have a gravel base topped with asphalt and acrylic surfacing, painted blue with a green background. A 6-foot chain-link fence will enclose them on all sides. A patio with 11 benches between the two courts will serve as a viewing area. No lighting is proposed, and the courts are intended for congregation members.

Tammy Noble, the city's senior planner on the case, recommended approval with three conditions. The church must work with the city to address any neighbor complaints. The development text must specify that only fenced-in recreational courts in the southeast portion of the parking area are permitted. The applicant must also coordinate with city engineering on stormwater management.

Although the text modification is labeled as allowing recreational courts, city staff advised the church to use that broader term instead of pickleball so the courts could be adapted for other sports in the future.

The city also dropped a previous proposal in which the church would have dedicated a portion of its parking area as public parkland. The city concluded the land was too disconnected from city-owned parkland to the south and would have required a bridge.

With the approval in hand, Vista Church may now apply for building permits.