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Olathe, KS Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Street/alley clearance
13 ft 6 in minimum
Sidewalk clearance
10 ft minimum
Backstop enforcement
Public Works Director may trim
Penalty
$100–$500 fine, up to 30 days

Summary

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.

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.)

View official code

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

Under Olathe Municipal Code §12.16.020(A), every owner, agent, or occupant of land adjoining a street or alley must trim overhanging trees so they don't block streetlights, traffic control devices or signs, or intersection sightlines, and must keep branches at least 13'6" above street/alley level and 10' above the sidewalk. Section 12.16.020(B) adds that any obstructing or hazardous tree must be trimmed or removed by the property owner, and the Public Works Director or designee may do it if the owner doesn't. Violations of the chapter draw the code's general penalty under §1.16.010. Applies citywide in Johnson County, Kansas.

Violations & Fines

Violating §12.16.020 is punished under the general penalty at §1.16.010: a fine of $100 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense (§12.16.070).

Frequently Asked Questions

How high must branches be over an Olathe street?
At least 13 feet 6 inches above the street or alley, and 10 feet above the sidewalk, per OMC §12.16.020(A).
Who trims overgrown tree limbs if I don't?
The Public Works Director or designee can trim or remove hazardous branches blocking traffic if the owner doesn't, under §12.16.020(B).

Sources & Official References

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