Landscaping Rules in Olathe, KS (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Olathe, Kansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Olathe requires property owners to trim trees overhanging a street, alley, or sidewalk so branches clear 13 feet 6 inches above the street or alley and 10 feet above the sidewalk, keeping sightlines and signs unobstructed.
Olathe Tree Trimming Street Clearance
Some RestrictionsOlathe Municipal Code § 12.16.020
It shall be the duty of every owner, agent or occupant of any lot or parcel of land adjoining or contiguous to any street or alley to cause all trees upon such premises which may overhang or project over such street, alley or sidewalk, to be so trimmed and maintained as to not unreasonably obstruct the light from any street lamp, any traffic control device and/or traffic control sign, or the vi...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Olathe's municipal code bans willfully damaging or destroying another person's trees and requires property owners to trim branches overhanging streets, alleys, or sidewalks to set clearance heights.
Tree Protection Rules in Olathe, Kansas
Some RestrictionsOlathe Municipal Code § 12.16.020(A)
It shall be the duty of every owner, agent or occupant of any lot or parcel of land adjoining or contiguous to any street or alley to cause all trees upon such premises which may overhang or project over such street, alley or sidewalk, to be so trimmed and maintained as to not unreasonably obstruct the light from any street lamp, any traffic control device and/or traffic control sign, or the vi...
Weed Ordinances
Olathe caps vegetation at eight inches tall on developed lots and twelve inches on vacant parcels: anything taller is 'excessive growth' and a code violation citywide under Chapter 6.09.
Olathe Max Grass and Weed Height
Some RestrictionsOlathe Municipal Code § 6.09.040
“Excessive Growth” shall mean any vegetation which is more than eight (8) inches in height on developed parcels or more than twelve (12) inches in height on undeveloped parcels, either above the ground or in length if matted down as measured along the stem...
Water Restrictions
New landscaping in Olathe, Kansas must favor native or drought-resistant plants; if you skip them, you must install an irrigation system and maintain it for a mandatory three-year establishment period under the city's zoning code.
Olathe Landscaping Xeriscape and Irrigation Rules
Some RestrictionsOlathe Unified Development Ordinance § 18.30.130(D)(9)
9. Native Vegetation, Drought Resistance/Xeriscape and Irrigation a. Native vegetation and drought resistant plant material will be used wherever possible. b. If native vegetation or drought resistant plant materials are not used, then an irrigation system must be installed to provide water during a three (3) year establishment period. ... d. Xeriscape landscape practices are allowed as a way t...
Native Plants
Olathe exempts approved natural or xeriscaped areas, and protected waterways, from its weed-height rule, as long as the area stays free of noxious weeds and follows city best-management practices.
Olathe Natural Landscaping Weed Exemption
Light RestrictionsOlathe Municipal Code § 6.09.130(C)
Waterways, any areas protected by local, state or federal regulations, natural or xeri-scaped areas approved by the Development Services Director or City Engineer, or their designee, provided those areas are kept free of all noxious weeds and “Best Management Practices” are followed. (D) Tree preservation areas where physical characteristics inhibit normal mowing practices. Provided further, ...
Composting
Olathe lets residents keep a compost pile without a permit as long as it's stored in a screened enclosure, and city code specifically excludes a compliant pile from counting as a nuisance.
Olathe Backyard Compost Pile Rules
Light RestrictionsOlathe Municipal Code § 6.06.030
"Compost Pile" means a mixture consisting of leaves, stems, grasses, dirt and other organic matter which shall be stored in an enclosure and used for garden soil conditioning purposes. Said enclosure shall be screened or placed in a manner which is not offensive to neighboring residents or the general public.
Looking for Johnson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Olathe city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Johnson County →