Board approves two exceptions allowing larger homes or additions in Old Leawood

The Leawood Board of Zoning Appeals approved two separate exceptions that allow residential properties to exceed the ordinance’s stated maximum finished square footage.

At 9340 Ensley Lane, developer/applicant Scott Kenixorf requested a 9% exception (approximately 391 square feet) for a tear‑down and rebuild that would total about 4,694 square feet. Kenixorf said the proposed massing and finished floor area are consistent with other recent tear‑down/rebuild projects in Old Leawood. A nearby neighbor, Richard Fink, told the board the applicant had been cooperative during demolition and cleanup. The board discussed neighborhood character and precedent and approved the exception; the chair announced the motion passed by a three‑to‑one vote.

At 3442 West 138 Terrace, architect Scott Bickford presented a small covered patio, bathroom and storage area that bring the home’s total to 5,628 square feet — a 12% exceedance driven in part by earlier legal nonconforming square footage on the lot. Staff reported one call with questions but no opposition; the board found the request met the exception standard and approved it by voice vote.

In both matters the board applied the Leawood Development Ordinance’s exception standard (requests under the 20% threshold for exceptions rather than variances) and directed staff to issue written notice of approval.