Warehouses-Turned-Pickleball Courts in Cebu City, Philippines Could Face Safety Inspections
Pickleball’s rapid rise in Cebu City in the Philippines has brought with it a wave of makeshift courts, many of them tucked inside converted warehouses. Now, local officials are weighing whether those spaces should undergo stricter checks to ensure they meet safety and regulatory standards.
Council Member Jose Lorenzo R. Abellanosa has filed a resolution that will be taken up on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. His measure calls for inspections of pickleball courts and other recreational facilities operating inside warehouses or similar structures.
The Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) would lead the effort, working alongside the Bureau of Fire Protection and other city agencies. The checks would cover everything from zoning and occupancy rules to fire safety and building compliance.
Why It Matters
The resolution points out that converting warehouses into recreational venues often means a change in use from their original approval. That shift can trigger new requirements for permits, clearances, and safety certifications.
Abellanosa’s proposal stresses that inspections are not just about paperwork—they are about protecting players, employees, nearby residents, and the wider public. “The conduct of inspections and verifications is necessary not only to ensure compliance with the applicable regulations but also to protect the safety and welfare of the establishments’ customers, employees, nearby residents, and the general public,” the resolution notes.
The measure cites the Local Government Code of 1991, which empowers local governments to promote public welfare and gives city mayors authority to issue, suspend, or revoke permits. It also references Cebu City’s Revised Charter, which reinforces the mayor’s oversight of municipal licenses.
What Happens Next
If approved, the resolution would direct the BPLO and partner agencies to carry out inspections and confirm that facilities meet the standards required for their current use. Copies of the resolution would be furnished to the BPLO and the Office of the City Mayor for guidance.
For Cebu City’s pickleball community, the move signals a balancing act: encouraging the sport’s growth while ensuring that the spaces where people play are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.
