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6/24/26 Board of Zoning Adjustment
Published: Jun 24, 2026
Kansas City Zoo Expansion Approved to Double Education Space
The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a special use permit for a building expansion at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium, located at 6800 Zoo Drive, in an R2.5 district. The expansion, which will add 15,463 sq ft to the education building, is intended to double classroom space for educational programs and summer camps and increase staff space. The addition will be approximately two stories and 30 feet tall, shorter than the existing building. New pedestrian connections and a golf cart parking area are included. The applicant provided a tree planting plan and an understory planting plan to replace removed landscaping. Staff recommended approval with one condition removed: the requirement for a signed property owner consent form, as it was submitted after the staff report. The City Plan Commission recommended approval with conditions. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Meyer and seconded by Mr. Goran.
Special Exceptions Granted for 8-Foot Fences at 2000 East 27th Street
The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved two special exceptions for the Bells at 2000 East 27th Street, R1.5 zoning district, to permit an 8-foot fence in the interior side yard and rear yard. This represents a 2-foot increase over the standard 6-foot fence height. The primary reason cited for the increased height is to prevent overspray from a neighbor's yard treatments, which has been damaging the Bells' plants for three years. The grade change on the property means the 8-foot fence would appear as approximately 4 feet on the neighbor's side, not significantly obstructing their view. For the rear yard, a carport on the adjacent northern property means the fence height is less impactful. Staff noted that while a change to the neighborhood character is anticipated, it's not expected to be substantial. The motion to approve both special exceptions was made by Mr. Meyer and seconded by Miss Wright.
Variance Granted for Two-Story Home Height on Infill Lot at 2317 Park Avenue
The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a variance for Docket Item 7, Case CDBZA 202678, located at 2317 Park Avenue. The request was to permit the construction of a new two-story home at a height of 18 feet on an infill lot, which requires a 6-foot variance from the 12-foot height requirement defined by infill lot and building standards. The existing home on the property suffered fire damage. The applicant, Dantel Jones, stated the homeowner wishes to rebuild the home to its previous two-story configuration, reminiscent of her childhood home. Staff noted that while the context area typically allows only one-story homes, properties across the street are mostly two-story. The difficulty could be avoided by redesigning to a one-story structure. The applicant indicated they raised the adjacent home on the north four feet to accommodate the two-story design. The motion to approve was made by Miss Wright and seconded by Mr. Meyer.
Variance Granted for Accessory Structure Footprint and Height at 1201 East 108th Terrace
The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a variance for Docket Item 2, Case CDBZA 202680, located at 1201 East 108th Terrace. The variance pertains to the footprint and height of a detached accessory structure. The applicant initially sought to classify the structure as a garage, which would not have required a variance. However, due to plan review criteria, it was reclassified as an accessory structure, necessitating variances for its footprint (496 sq ft, a 296 sq ft variance) and height (11'9", a 1'9" variance). The alteration to prevent a vehicle from being parked inside was accepted by the board. The applicant stated the structure was always intended as a shed and blends well with the neighborhood. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Meyer and seconded by Miss Wright.
St. Teresa's Academy Secures Extension for Parking Lot Expansion
The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a special use permit extension for a parking lot expansion for St. Teresa's Academy, located at 5600 Main Street. The extension was requested to move forward without an expiration date. The applicant had previously addressed neighbor concerns regarding on-street parking by implementing measures such as permits for cars and drivers, incentives for carpooling, bicycle racks, added security personnel, and improved signage. The board approved the extension with two conditions: that no certificate of occupancy is required for the extension, and that any future improvements on the site must go through a special use permit process. Additionally, the developer must grant a BMP easement for the infiltration basin to the city prior to the issuance of the disposition letter. The City Planning Commission recommended approval with these conditions.
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The Kansas City News archive
Historic Preservation Commission
Regular Business Board Meeting 6.24.2026
6/17/26 City Plan Commission
Board Policy Monitoring Workshop 6.10.2026
6/10/26 Board of Zoning Adjustment
6/3/26 City Plan Commission
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