Olathe, KS Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

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 view of any street intersection. The branches of all such trees must be kept to a height of not less than thirteen feet six inches (13' 6") from the level of the street or alley and not less than ten (10') feet from the level of the sidewalk.

(B) Any tree or shrub which overhangs any sidewalk, street or public place in the City in such a way as to impede or interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic or travel, as described in Section 12.16.020 A., shall be trimmed by the owner of the premises on which such tree or shrub grows so that the obstruction shall cease. Any tree or limb of a tree or dead tree, which has become likely to fall, or has fallen, on or across any public way or place shall be removed by the owner of the premises of which such tree grows or stands. The Public Works Director or designee may trim any such tree or shrub or remove any such tree or branch thereof so that the obstruction or danger to vehicular or pedestrian traffic or travel shall be done away with. (Ord. 15-54 § 1, 2015; Prior Code § 9-403, 9-404.)