Commission backs rezoning for 18 single‑family lots at Regents Park

The Leawood Planning Commission on Jan. 28 recommended approval of a rezoning that will convert a western portion of Regents Park from RP‑3 clustered attached residential to RP‑2 clustered detached single‑family lots.

Staff recommended the rezoning and a revised preliminary plan for the 2.4‑acre area south of 130th Street and west of Kenneth Road, and recommended 28 stipulations. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward the rezoning (case 06‑25) to the City Council.

Under the proposal, the area rezoned to RP‑2 would contain 18 single‑family dwelling units, yielding a density of about 1.78 dwelling units per acre. Staff told the commission the RP‑2 lots would have a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet but the proposed average lot size would be about 13,477 square feet. The RP‑3 portion to the east (south of 130th Street) would be reduced to a configuration of 23 twin villas (46 units) under the revised plan. The overall Regents Park project retains previously approved amenities, the pedestrian trail and a 20‑foot tree preservation easement between the development and existing homes to the south.

Staff noted the development—s infrastructure—streets, detention and public improvements for Pembroke, Guilford and Springfield—has been installed. The applicant requested three deviations tied to dimensional standards for the RP‑2 portion: a 15% reduction in the front yard setback (from 30 feet to 25.5 feet), a 25% reduction in side yard setbacks (from 10 feet to 7.5 feet), and a reduction of the build line width at cul‑de‑sac bulbs (down to 80% of the typical 100‑foot requirement). Staff said the project provides 51.6% permanent open space, which supports the requested deviations, and staff found the application consistent with Leawood—s comprehensive plan and the LDO—s golden‑factor analysis.

Planning staff recommended clarifying language in stipulation 6 to explicitly allow a minimum 15‑foot side yard between vertical walls for villas and to allow 8 feet between egress wells; staff said the 8‑foot allowance had been discussed in earlier reports but omitted from prior stipulations and is being reinstated. Staff also recommended a minor wording correction to stipulation 4.a to reference the increase in FAR tied to permanent open space in excess of required minimums.

Applicant representative Kurt Peterson described market demand for single‑family custom homes and referenced similar nearby developments. He said much of the public infrastructure for the southern portion is complete and the change to single‑family product would require minimal additional site work. Peterson said builders expect homes in the product range similar to recent nearby custom projects, with main‑level sizes often 2,500–3,000 square feet and market pricing that has moved above $1 million in recent comparable projects.

Commissioners asked technical questions about elevations, egress wells and green‑space calculations. Staff explained that single‑family elevations are typically reviewed at building permit because single‑family homes are allowed by right and the building department checks final compliance with code and any approved deviations. Staff confirmed green‑space calculations include detention areas that are pervious.

Commissioner Hoyt moved approval of case 06‑25; Commissioner Belzer seconded. The motion passed 9‑0. The commission recorded that approved stipulations include the staff suggested clarifications; the rezoning will proceed to City Council for final action.