Through review of new development projects, planning staff ensure that the long-range plans of the City are implemented, and that new development and redevelopment adheres to the City´s codes and regulations. Planners work with developers, architects, engineers, attorneys, and property owners to achieve a balanced integration between new development and the built environment.

Olathe recently adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan, Elevate Olathe. For more information, visit OlatheKS.org/ElevateOlathe. 

• Planning and Development Map
• Building Permit Activity Reports
• Development Resources
• Unified Development Ordinance
• Site Development Plan Review
• Annexation
• Plats & Vacations
• Community Development Reports - View population estimates, residential and non-residential permit data.

Zoning laws regulate the use of land on a property by dictating what uses are permitted and what uses are prohibited.

Learn more about zoning, land use, and the rezoning process.

Self-Service – The zoning district of a particular property can be found online on our Planning Map (select the Zoning layer).

Phone Verification – Zoning of a property can be verified by phone at no charge. Call the Planning Division at 913-971-8750 with the property address or parcel identification number.

Written Verification (Zoning Verification Letter)* - The Planning Division can provide a zoning verification letter on City letterhead for a fee. We offer three types of zoning verification letters: Simple, Standard, and Expedited.

To request a zoning verification letter, apply via the Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal.

CSS Portal Directions: Register or log in. Then click “Apply” and type “Zoning Verification” into the Application Assistant search bar. Select the type of zoning verification letter you want. Click the blue button “Apply” and follow the prompts.

*A zoning verification letter is not a records request and does not include copies of any records. To request associated records, you must submit a separate Public Records Request.

Please note:  City staff does not conduct an independent investigation of the current status or conditions of the property. The City of Olathe assumes no liability for errors or omissions associated with a zoning verification. Zoning information is subject to change. Even if the zoning category of a parcel is appropriate for a particular project, there may be additional requirements for development.  

For questions about zoning verification letters, call 913-971-8750 or email PlanningContact@olatheks.org.

The pre-application process provides an opportunity for you and City staff to exchange information and discuss issues that impact the design of your project. Meetings are held on Thursday mornings starting at 8:30 a.m. and typically last 50 minutes. You must request a pre-application meeting using the City of Olathe’s Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal. Applicants must have a registered account to use the CSS Portal, which may be obtained using this registration link.  Once an application is submitted, the Planning Division will reach out to schedule you for the next available meeting.

A site drawing of the property and any files (elevations, floor plans, etc.) that you wish to discuss at the meeting must be submitted by noon on the Thursday preceding the scheduled meeting in order to proceed.

Please note, pre-application meetings are intended to provide you with as much information as possible, but they do not constitute full or formal reviews of a proposal. Once information is provided with your formal application submission, comments may change and additional information may be provided.

For questions about the pre-application meeting process please email the Planning Division or call 913-971-8750.

All Development Applications and Planning Permits must be submitted online through the City of Olathe’s Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal. The Development Application Guide and current review and fee schedules are also available below.

For questions about the application submittal process, please email the Planning Division or call 913-971-8750.

Development Guide & Schedules:

• Development Application Guide
• Development Review Schedule
• Development Application Fee Schedule

Development Applications:

• Rezoning/Zoning Amendment Application
• Special Use Permit Application
• Preliminary Site Development Plan Application
• Final Site Development Plan/Administrative Review Application 
• Preliminary Plat Application
• Final Plat Application
• Minor Plat Application
• Lot Split Application
• Vacation of Easements or Right-of-Way Application

Planning Permits

• Sign Permit – Permanent or Temporary
• Special Animal Permit
• Temporary Sales & Events Permit

Other Applications

• Annexation Application
• Board of Zoning Appeals Application
• Historic Landmark Application

Additional Forms:

• Ownership & Agent Authorization Affidavit
• Assurance of Adequate Public Facilities
• Public & Neighborhood Notice Packet
• Vacation Notice Packet
• Lot Split Packet
• Protest Petition

Commonly referred to as UDO, the Olathe Unified Development Ordinance includes zoning and subdivision platting regulations, regulates and controls development and use of land to promote public safety, health, and general welfare of the community. The documents listed below support the UDO.

• Olathe Municipal Code
• Technical Specifications and Standard Design Details
• Downtown Design Guidelines
• Wireless Facilities
• Use Matrix (UDO 18.20.500)

Inspections are required for various phases and types of construction and remodeling. All contractors doing work within the City of Olathe must be licensed by the City.

• Landscaping Inspection - contact Planning for information (913-971-8750)

Permits are required for commercial buildings and remodels, as well as many residential repairs, additions and remodels.

• Temporary Sales & Event Permit - required for temporary events on private property

Building Codes administers and enforces building codes and ordinances to provide safeguards for protection.

• Licenses & Permits
• Zoning Enforcement

Staying engaged with stakeholders throughout the community as we continue to grow is critical to realizing our community vision. Through the creation and implementation of various plans, policies, and studies, we strive to ensure that growth and development addresses community need such as neighborhood sustainability, orderly growth, and availability of services that all impact quality of life.

• Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative
  
  • Neighborhood Registration
  • Neighborhood Grant Application
  • Neighborhood Revitalization Program
• Communities for All Ages
• Downtown Olathe

The Comprehensive Plan outlines the community’s vision for how Olathe will grow today and in the future.

Below are links to key planning reports and studies that outline the City’s vision, goals, and policies related to land use, mobility, and sustainability.

• Envision Olathe Downtown Plan
• Woodland Corridor Plan
• Olathe 2040
• Downtown Olathe Active Transportation Plan
• Historic Preservation Master Plan
• Cedar Creek Area Plan
• Coffee Creek Master Plan
• K150 Corridor Study
• K-7 Corridor Design Guidelines
• K-7 Corridor Study

Planning provides support to several boards, commissions, and associations. Information on these groups plus upcoming meetings and agenda information is available through the following links.

• Planning Commission
• Board of Zoning Appeals
• Historic Preservation Board