Leawood BZA approves variances for six residential projects, including grade‑change at Manor Road

The Leawood Board of Zoning Appeals voted March 25 to approve a series of residential variances, including a grade‑change variance at 11609 Manor Road that applicants said is needed to provide a small, accessible outdoor seating area at a basement walk‑out.

At the start of the meeting a board member agreed to serve as pro tem chair because the regular chair and vice chair were absent. After roll call confirmed a quorum, staff presented the first case: a tear‑down and rebuild at 11609 Manor Road that would require a maximum grade change for a walk‑out/walk‑up patio area. Staff’s packet described a 7.5‑ft variance request; the applicant told the board the actual excavation sought is roughly 6½ ft to allow a small seating area and safer egress for basement occupants.

"All we're trying to do is make the basement safer, more of a place where somebody doesn't have to climb a set of stairs if they want to go outside for just a quick bit and be able to go back inside," said Jerry Star, representing the applicant. He and co‑applicant Katie Dunn said…