Padel is a sport that’s growing quickly in Poland. More people are playing both recreationally and professionally, and clubs are investing in new facilities. However, before you start building a court, it’s essential to plan the project in accordance with construction law, sports standards, and technical requirements. This will help you avoid administrative problems and keep users safe.

Planning stage

The first step before commencing any construction work is to ensure that the investment meets all administrative and legal requirements. Investors should verify whether a local spatial development plan (MPZP) is in effect for the area and whether it permits the construction of sports facilities.

If the local spatial development plan (MPZP) does not include the construction of a sports facility in the area, the investment is impossible. In the absence of a local spatial development plan, it is necessary to obtain a zoning permit that will allow the investment to proceed.

Another important aspect is the assessment of whether the padel court will be treated as a construction object with permanent structures (foundations, walls, lighting). According to construction law, a construction object is a building or small-scale architectural object with installations, ensuring the possibility of use in accordance with its intended purpose, constructed using construction products.

Polish construction law classifies sports facilities, such as tennis courts, playing fields, running tracks, and padel tennis courts, as construction objects based on their utilitarian function. The law distinguishes between sports facilities requiring a building permit or notification.

Building permit or notification?

Polish Construction Law distinguishes two basic procedures for the execution of an investment:

1. A building permit (Article 28 of the Construction Law) requires the submission of complete documentation, including a plot development plan, architectural and construction design, technical design, and required opinions and permits. This procedure is mandatory for constructions with permanent structures or covered halls.
2. Investment notification (Article 29 of the Building Law) – a simplified procedure involving informing the local architectural and construction authority of the intended construction. If the authority raises no objections, work may begin within 21 days of submitting the notification. This procedure primarily applies to outdoor sports courts, playing fields, and running tracks for recreational purposes, with less documentation formality.

The simplified application process covers the construction of playing surfaces (e.g., artificial turf, polyurethane) and the installation of necessary sports equipment (goals, posts, nets). This may also include additional infrastructure such as lighting or fencing. If the investment involves permanent structural elements, a covered roof, foundations, permanent lighting, or glass walls, a full building permit procedure is required, along with appropriate design documentation.

A padel court is classified as a permanent construction object, unlike a tennis court, primarily due to its structural requirements. Padel courts require durable, tempered glass walls, 10-12 mm thick, which often weigh several hundred kilograms.

Due to its permanent and heavy structure, even when located outdoors, a padel court requires a building permit. Installing such a facility requires professional construction, including the construction of solid foundations and the precise fastening of structural elements using corrosion-resistant screws.

Preparation for investment

Before starting work, the investor should:

1. Checking the local spatial development plan – ensure that the plot allows for the construction of sports facilities. If there is no local spatial development plan, it is necessary to obtain a zoning permit decision.
2. Design of the facility’s character – determine whether the court will be treated as a construction object with permanent structures (foundations, walls, lighting).
3. Choosing the appropriate legal procedure – for open courts, a construction notification is usually sufficient, while for indoor facilities or those equipped with permanent structural elements, a building permit, along with complete design documentation, is required.

Design preparation and supervision—develop a detailed technical design, select experienced contractors, and ensure designer and construction manager oversight to guarantee investment compliance with regulations and safe court use. 

In conclusion

Building a padel court is an investment that requires not only suitable financing and technology but also adherence to Construction Law regulations. Proper formal and technical preparation will help avoid costly mistakes and delays.

If you are planning such an investment and require legal or administrative support, our law firm specializes in construction law. We will be happy to assist you throughout the entire process, from planning to obtaining the necessary permits.

Sources:

1. Construction Law (Act of July 7, 1994), Journal of Laws 1994 No. 89 item 414, available at: https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU19940890414/U/D19940414Lj.pdf .
2. Padel4U, „Budowa kortów do padla – informacje i oferta”  [ENG: “Construction of padel courts- – information and offer”], available at: https://padel4u.pl/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22385284285&gbraid=0AAAAA-3So4GfA9vGthu7va5lwkBf7imuf&gclid=CjwKCAjwuePGBhBZEiwAIGCVS4ilpO4V5G9twyeAACr73XNMB4THXyLLFyR7MXUmetIiZGO-xvsx4