This is a general inquiry question about gated areas and Pokestops:
I live in a gated-community which has open gates 8 hours a day and plenty of spots where Pokestops/Gyms would be great, however, I understand that gated-communities that are not always open to the public are off-limits. I have recommended multiple pokestops and the rejection is always that “it’s a gated community”.
My actual inquiry is why places that are gated off from the public have pokestops/gyms? Places like the Department of Defense in Monterey, CA has two gyms and two stops, behind a gate, that no one except for specific people can access (like a gated community).
Can someone explain the difference between a gated community where people and guests drive through frequently, and gated government places where they have few employees and armed guards that require clearance to enter? Thank you~
I’m not sure where you’re reading that gated communities are off limits for wayspot submissions, as that is not correct information.
Wayspots in gated communities can indeed be eligible. The usual rules apply (they must be safely accessible by anyone who has access to the community and not located on a single family private residential property or any other location that would make them ineligible such as a school). There is no rejection reason for “gated community”.
Just adding to what @hankwolfman has already shared. Please feel free to nominate things like playgrounds, pools, tennis/basketball courts, etc. these are all great examples of things that are eligible in a gated residential community.
Also please see below information that you can reference during nomination reviews for Access:
I did not read this anywhere, it was back when I moved into my neighborhood back in 2021. I requested a few pokestops for the community sign, the gym, the main circle, and the water tower, yet all of them got rejected and the reasoning was a gated community. Unfortunately, I do not have the emails, however, I appreciate this information and I will use this, along with the nomination criteria to attempt again.
If I am not successful, I will post again in the nomination support chat. I appreciate the response!
There are MANY reviewers who mistakenly mark gated communities as “Private Property” but Niantic only considers SFPRP (Single Family Private Residential Property) as off-limits, as illustrated in the reviewing tool tip that @LetsRollGirl shared.
There is also a clarification here if you need a link to share:
Whats considered gated comnunity is like apartments or condominium or business, If the wayspot in located in residential area for single family PRP with security gate, then its ineligible, unless its in public area.
Neighbourhood sign is tough sell, usually it need some artistic or historical value
Gym is good candidate. You should appeal it f you sure its got no issue in foto/description/ loc
I assume main circle is roundabout? Roundabout usually dont have safe pedestrian access so its usually ineligible.
Water tower is tough sell as well. Normal water tower is ineligible because it doesnt fit wayfarer category. There are some though that have historical value that worth exploring.
If you comfortable, you can share your nomination here. But know that this is public forum so dont share your address.
ty! I shared the clarification which includes what kind of things could be eligible, but didn’t think to point out that these do not meet that clarification.
That is great feedback! So my community does have a gate code, but it’s not single family homes, it’s multiple apartment buildings in a large community. The gate is open for 8 hours a day due to commuting traffic, though. Does the code make it ineligible?
If so, I’m still not clear on what makes my neighborhood invalid, but the department of defense, with gated and badge-clearance entry qualifies, but my neighborhood does not. It makes no sense to me why guests can enter my neighborhood, but only high ranking military officials can get private Pokemon Gyms and Stops…
It sounds like your neighborhood/community could have eligible stops. This can be true of a gated community with single family homes, apartment buildings, or condos.
Look for communal amenities like gyms, pools, playgrounds, sculptures, etc. these need to be in an area that residents/staff have access to.
Something that is in a single living unit is ineligible - so no art/fountain/sculpture on a units patio.
Corporations can also have eligible items on their grounds. Could be a museum/historic exhibit, workout equipment, or a variety of other items. Again these would be things people would be encouraged to seek out at these locations. And it is fine if it is only for the employees. See below that even military bases can have eligible wayspots:
Gated apartment / condo / townhouse complexes ARE allowed. I have personally had about a dozen such stops approved (out of 79 total approvals), and two more that are within an employees only area of a government facility (a transit agency bus maintenance facility).
The exact stop still has to go through the normal approval guidelines. Most of mine are swimming pools (hey, it’s southern California) or other athletic facilities.
Please share some of your rejected nomination (start from what you think have best chance) if you want other wayfarer to advise if its possible to improve it
Your neighborhood would not be an invalid location where nothing can be accepted. The sign for your neighborhood would not meet criteria to be a wayspot as a great place for exercise, exploration, or being social: Wayspot Criteria — Wayfarer Help Center
We can definitely help more if you share screenshots of a rejected nomination, including the rejection reason. It is easier to analyze them one at a time. But if you feel this would be compromising your privacy, then general statements are about all we can make.
Nothing makes your neighbourhood invalid. Reviewers make mistakes
Your gated community is fine. Each wayspot should be evaluated on its own merits for eligibility and access for people who are allowed to be there. The gate code is not an issue. The gate being open for 8 hours a day isn’t even necessary for this.
