The rapid rise of pickleball in Cebu City has led to a growing number of makeshift courts, with many operating inside converted warehouses. Now, city officials are considering whether these venues should undergo closer inspections to ensure they meet safety and regulatory requirements.
Key Points:
- Council Member Jose Lorenzo R. Abellanosa has filed a resolution calling for inspections of recreational facilities, including pickleball courts, operating inside warehouses or similar structures.
- The Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) would lead the inspections alongside the Bureau of Fire Protection and other city agencies.
- Checks would cover zoning, occupancy, fire safety and building compliance to ensure facilities meet the requirements for their current use.
- The proposal aims to protect players, employees, nearby residents and the general public while supporting the continued growth of pickleball in Cebu City.
Cebu City Pickleball Boom Faces Closer Scrutiny
Council Member Jose Lorenzo R. Abellanosa has filed a resolution calling for inspections of pickleball courts and other recreational facilities operating inside warehouses or similar structures. The measure is set to be taken up on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
If the resolution moves forward, the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) would lead the inspections, working alongside the Bureau of Fire Protection and other city agencies. The checks would cover areas including zoning, occupancy rules, fire safety and building compliance.
Why Warehouse Conversions Matter
The resolution highlights that converting a warehouse into a recreational facility can represent a change in use from its original approval. That change may bring additional requirements for permits, clearances and safety certifications.
The proposed inspections are therefore not simply about paperwork. They are intended to help ensure that venues are suitable for their current use while protecting players, employees, nearby residents and the wider public.
Abellanosa's resolution states that inspections and verifications are necessary to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and protect the safety and welfare of customers, employees, nearby residents and the general public.
What Happens Next for Cebu City Pickleball
The proposal draws on the Local Government Code of 1991, which gives local governments powers related to public welfare and provides city mayors with authority over permits. It also references Cebu City's Revised Charter, which reinforces the mayor's oversight of municipal licenses.
If approved, the resolution would direct the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) and partner agencies to inspect the relevant facilities and verify whether they meet the standards required for their current use. Copies would also be furnished to the BPLO and the Office of the City Mayor for guidance.
For Cebu City's pickleball community, the proposal reflects a growing focus on making sure the sport's rapid expansion is matched by safe and compliant playing spaces. As more venues operate in converted structures, the inspections could help strike a balance between supporting pickleball's growth and protecting public welfare.
