Leawood BZA rescinds prior denial, approves pool-grade variance at 8551 High Drive

The Leawood Board of Zoning Appeals on May 28 voted to rescind a March denial and then approved a variance allowing a retaining wall and grade change to construct a backyard pool at 8551 High Drive.

The board rescinded its earlier denial after city staff reported new information showing that the city-stamped, approved building plans included pool infrastructure and foundation elements that had been installed. After reopening the case, the board voted that the application met all five variance criteria and approved a variance that permits a 4.2-foot maximum retaining wall associated with the proposed pool, a 3.2-foot variance from the tear-down/rebuild grade-change limit.

Travis, a city plans examiner, told the board staff had not been aware at the March hearing that the approved…