BZA approves variance for up to 8-foot grade change for new home and pool at 11416 Meadow Lane

Leawood’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance Jan. 22 allowing grade changes beyond the LDO maximum to accommodate a replacement home, courtyard and pool at 11416 Meadow Lane.

Staff reported the proposed project requires a grade change of roughly eight feet in certain areas, while the ordinance limits grade change to one foot; the applicant therefore requested a variance. Architect Theresa Curtis, representing homeowners Mark and Christina Dimitri, told the board the lot is at the end of a cul-de-sac, has irregular lot lines, limited buildable area due to a gas easement and offers primary views to the golf course — conditions the team argued make the site unique. "In order to build an accessible outdoor space, we would either need to drop it to the lowest level or raise it to the First Floor level, all of which would equal more than a 1 foot grade change," Curtis said.

Curtis also said the proposed pool will be smaller than the existing pool and that the design seeks to maintain neighbor privacy and avoid drainage impacts. Staff confirmed that any building permit would require Public Works approval for stormwater controls; an engineer on the project also provided a letter included in the packet.

Board members voted that the five LDO variance criteria were met and approved the variance under LDO section 16-2-5.4(g). A board member reminded the applicant team that Leawood enforces stormwater and runoff requirements and encouraged close coordination with contractors and Public Works. The applicant was told the decision will be provided in writing and that standard permit and stormwater compliance are required before work begins.