Planning Commission recommends approval for Reed Holdings duplex at 724 Southeast 10th Street

The Lee's Summit Planning Commission at its March meeting recommended approval of a preliminary development plan from Reed Holdings GP LLC to build a two‑story duplex at 724 Southeast 10th Street.

The proposal seeks two modifications: a reduced rear principal building setback of 15 feet where the RP‑3 zoning district requires 20 feet, and a density modification that would yield 9.83 units per acre on the subject parcel. Claire Byers, senior planner for the city, told the commission staff supports both modifications given the existing neighborhood context, proposed landscaping and the Ignite comprehensive plan’s objective to promote infill housing.

Reed Holdings’ representative, Austin Reed, described his company as “a small real estate company, veteran owned and operated,” and presented site plans showing a 0.61‑acre western parcel to be developed with a two‑story duplex. Reed said the project will use brick on the front façade and gray vinyl siding on the sides, match nearby roof and brick colors, and preserve an existing tree berm on the west edge. He also said the applicant will replace and enhance the existing rear fence line that borders a commercial automotive property.

Byers said the applicant will provide a landscape buffer along the rear property line consisting of 11 new trees and four shrubs, and that staff found the buffer and the existing vegetation between the proposed residences and adjacent commercial uses adequate to mitigate impacts. She also said the applicant hosted a neighborhood meeting on Feb. 3, 2025; two members of the public attended and raised one question about the existing fence, which the applicant said it would enhance.

Commissioners asked about the density calculation, driveway length and the rationale for the setback reduction. Commissioner Chip Tusinski asked whether the density calculation included an adjacent parcel; staff and the applicant said it did not and that adding additional units on neighboring parcels would require a separate review. Commissioner Mark Kitchens asked whether the garage driveways would accommodate two vehicles; the applicant said the 25‑foot driveway length makes two cars possible but limits larger vehicles. Several commissioners said they appreciated the applicant bringing material samples and aligning the design with existing neighborhood development.

The commission approved a motion to recommend approval of PL2024‑326 with the conditions listed in the staff report. The roll call vote recorded unanimous support from the commissioners present.

The application record will advance in the city's review process following the commission’s recommendation.