Olathe, KS Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum termination distance
- 4 feet from property line
- Covers
- Roof drains, sump pumps, French drains
- Connecting to City system
- Requires City Engineer approval
- Noncompliant discharge
- Declared a public nuisance
Summary
Roof drains, sump pump discharges and French drains on Olathe homes must end at least four feet inside the property line, or four feet from the right-of-way: closer discharges are a declared public nuisance.
Private residential drainage systems including, but not limited to, roof drains, sump pump discharge pipes, and French drains, are not part of the minor system. Discharges from private residential drainage systems must terminate no fewer than four (4) feet inside the boundary line of the private property generating the discharge or four (4) feet from the public right-of-way, whichever is closer to the discharge. Such discharges must not be connected to the minor system without approval of the City Engineer. Such discharges terminating closer than four (4) feet from the boundary line of the private property or the public right-of-way, or terminating within the public right-of-way or another public or private property, are declared to be a public nuisance and may be abated at the cost of the property owner in accordance with State or municipal law. (Ord. 22-52 § 4, 2022.)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-39, passed July 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Olathe Municipal Code § 17.04.041 excludes private residential drainage systems, roof drains, sump pump discharge pipes, French drains, from the City's minor stormwater system. Discharges must terminate no fewer than four feet inside the property's boundary line or four feet from the public right-of-way, whichever is closer to the discharge point, and can't connect to the City's minor system without the City Engineer's approval. A discharge that ends closer than four feet to the boundary or right-of-way, or that lands on another public or private property, is declared a public nuisance that the City can abate at the property owner's cost.
Violations & Fines
A discharge that violates the four-foot rule is a declared public nuisance, abatable at the property owner's expense under state or municipal law (§17.04.041); separate Title 17 violations carry up to a $500 fine (§17.02.110).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my sump pump drain onto my neighbor's yard in Olathe?
How far from my property line does a roof drain outlet have to be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Olathe
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Johnson County handle stormwater management.