Commission approves new home at 740 Payson Drive; staff flags stormwater and backyard usability

The Olivette Planning & Community Design Commission on April 17 approved a site plan, community‑design review and concept stormwater management plan for a new single‑family home at 740 Payson Drive, while staff asked that final stormwater details be resolved before permits are issued.

Commissioner Petrie Powell moved to approve the petition and Sam Wallach seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Staff and commissioners praised the house design but highlighted that the lot is shallower than the typical 150‑foot depth (about 125 feet), pushing the house footprint rearward and compressing the usable backyard area. Carlos Treas told the commission the narrow depth combined with a steep grade toward the city walking trail at the rear requires careful stormwater design. “This lot’s a 125 feet. If we had that extra 25 feet, this would be perfect, but we don’t,” Treas said, urging additional engineering to ensure the proposed swale and detention pit function and do not transfer flows to adjacent yards.

Builder Doug Cohen, who said he has built the same house in Olivette multiple times, told commissioners the owner intends a modest, well‑manicured backyard and that engineering review and contractor details will resolve stormwater controls. “We’re taking the worst house in the neighborhood … to the best house in the neighborhood,” Cohen said.

Staff requested, and commissioners approved, a conditional approval that allows staff and the petitioner to finalize a stormwater site‑improvement plan, yard drains or other measures necessary to control runoff and preserve backyard usability. The motion passed 6–0.

What to watch: staff will review the final civil plans and stormwater calculations. If the engineered swale or detention conflicts with future homeowner expectations for a flat yard, staff warned, yard drains or retaining measures may be required, and the city will require compliance as part of permit issuance.