Olathe, KS Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Tree spacing
- 40 ft average
- Corner lots
- min. 2 street trees
- Curb clearance
- 6 ft min. planting space
- Applies to
- local & collector street frontage
Summary
New development along local and collector streets in Olathe must plant street trees spaced an average of 40 feet apart, with at least 2 required on corner lots and 6 feet of clearance from the curb.
Street trees are required in all residential and nonresidential districts along all local and collector streets... Street trees must be spaced as uniformly as possible, with an average spacing of forty (40) linear feet between trees in all districts, resulting in at least one (1) tree per lot in residential districts. A minimum of two (2) street trees are required on corner lots.
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's UDO makes street trees mandatory for development fronting local and collector streets in every residential and nonresidential district (arterial and minor arterial frontage gets perimeter landscaping instead). Trees must average 40 linear feet apart, guaranteeing at least one tree per residential lot, with a minimum of two required on corner lots. Planting must sit at least 6 feet from the right-of-way or sidewalk to the back of curb, at least 10 feet from any fire hydrant or fire department connection, and 15 feet from streetlights. Species must come from the Planning Official's approved list, and trees must go in before occupancy of the building.
Violations & Fines
Missing, under-spaced, or off-list street trees hold up the final certificate of occupancy; the Planning Official may require a bond or letter of credit if landscaping isn't complete, which forfeits if not finished within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Olathe require street trees along new subdivisions?
How many street trees does a corner lot need in Olathe?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Olathe
Compare Olathe to another location·View the Kansas tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Johnson County handle parkway planting.