Asset Management ensures that Olathe’s stormwater infrastructure—including drains, pipes, streamways and detention basins—remains safe, reliable, and efficient. Through regular inspections, maintenance, and upgrades, we protect the community from flood risks and support the longevity of our drainage systems. This proactive approach helps prevent costly repairs, reduce flood hazards, and improve water quality across the city.

Stormwater maintenance and repair requests, such as blocked storm drain inlets, road flooding, blockages in streamways and more, can be submitted via OlatheConnect.

Reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff through various methods before it reaches local waterbodies like streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.

Erosion & Sediment Control

Water quality protection efforts include erosion and sediment control during construction and development, as regulated by the Federal Clean Water Act, to reduce sedimentation and preserve the capacity of storm sewers, drainage channels, streams and structures.

All land disturbances within the City of Olathe require a Land Disturbance Permit. Residential single lot construction is exempted. Abatement bonds are required on all projects that disturb an accumulative area of one or more acres.

Temporary Seed & Mulch

• Technical Specifications Section 7200 requires temporary seeding and mulching immediately after street construction is complete.
• Additional work will not be allowed until the seeding and mulching is complete.

Perimeter Silt Fence & Other Options

• Silt fence, earth dikes, sediment basins, and rock construction entrances must be installed before grading operations can begin.
• Silt fence is to be placed along the back-of-curb for protection of the street immediately after the curb is constructed.
• Silt fence and earth dikes placed before grading begins are to be maintained by the grading contractor until all utilities are in place.
• Erosion and sedimentation controls are temporary and must be removed by the contractor after construction is complete and the disturbed area is at least 70% permanently vegetated.

The City of Olathe commissioned a study to examine flooding issues throughout the city identified in the FEMA Flood Plain Map update.

• Watershed Preferred Alternatives Study
• Flood Preparation & Safety Tips
• Learn how to be FloodSmart (Floodsmart.gov)
• Indian Creek Stormwater Gauge

Know Your Flood Hazard

The city's Flood Zones Map identifies areas of existing and potential flood risk zones and provide resources to help property owners determine if flood insurance is required. Property owners can also utilize the Johnson County Flood Warning System to to stay up-to-date with flood risks during storms.

Protect the Natural Floodplain Functions

• Report stream blockages such as fallen trees or beaver dams via OlatheConnect or at 913-971-9042.
• Plant and maintain vegetation along stream banks to slow erosion.
• Remove trash and debris from floodplains.

Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around barriers. As little as two feet of water can float a vehicle.

Remember: Turn around, don't drown!

Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Keep children away from flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains as small people can easily be sucked into culverts. Individuals can also be injured by debris or contaminants that have been picked up by the flood waters.

Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. If you know you are going to be flooded, shut the power off at the service box. Electrical current can travel through water. Electrocution is the 2nd leading cause of death during floods.

Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. If you smell gas, report it to your gas company. Do not use candles, lanterns or open flames if you smell gas or are unsure if your gas has been shut off.

Do not use gas engines, such as generators, or charcoal fires indoors during power outages. Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.

Clean everything that has been wet. Due to contamination in floodwaters with sewage and other chemicals that pose a health threat, everything that has come in contact with floodwaters must be cleaned.

Property owners should contact their mortgage company to determine if flood insurance is required.

The National Flood Insurance Community Rating System entitles Olathe residents to a 10% discount on FEMA Flood Insurance (learn more by visiting the FEMA Flood Insurance Manuals and Handbooks webpage). The Flood Zones Map also serves as the Flood Insurance Rate Map. The following documents can be used to determine if a property has been removed from the flood plain.

• Letter of Map Amendment No. 09-07-1316A
• Letter of Map Amendment No. 09-07-1317A
• Letter of Map Amendment No. 09-07-1957A
• Letter of Map Change No. MICS-30056V
• Community Notification Letter of Map Revision Indian Creek – Lindenwood, 2-C-016-22

Insure Your Property for Your Flood Hazard

• Ask your insurance agent if you are covered for flood damage.
• Take advantage of a low-cost Preferred Risk Policy.
• Contact your insurance agent if you experience flooding.
• Learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at FEMA.gov/Flood-Insurance

If your property is susceptible to flooding, there are many flood damage reduction measures you can employ.

• Watertight seals can be applied to brick and block walls. This is to protect your home from low-level flooding.
• Utilities such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and other major appliances can be elevated to higher floors in the structure or on raised platforms.
• Temporary measures such as moving furniture and other valuables to higher floors and sand bagging exterior openings will also help.

Build Responsibly

• Get a Permit from the Olathe Building Codes Division before you build.
• Maintain positive drainage away from your home’s foundation.
• Do not add fill material in floodplains, as this can increase the risk of flooding.

Protect Your Property From Flooding

• Secure important documents digitally or outside of your home.
• Make an itemized list of possessions.
• Save receipts for expensive household items.
• Maintain all drainage systems, and keep inlets and channels from debris and tree branches.

The City provides a cost share reimbursement program that helps property owners cover the cost of materials, equipment and labor with a 50% match for expenses for:

• Rain gardens, bioswales, and native plant stream buffers (up to $1,000)
• Rain barrels (up to $75 each, limit two per household)
• Compost bins (up to $75)

Reimbursement is available on a first come, first served basis and is subject to approval, and is limited to one per household per calendar year. Reimbursement is not available for new commercial or residential development.

Process for Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Reimbursement

1. Submit a Stormwater Cost Sharing Application with appropriate receipts attached.
2. The City will process reimbursement after the project is approved and receipts and photos of the final project have been submitted.

Process for Rain Garden, Bioswale, & Native Stream Buffer Reimbursement

Native trees and plants used in raised beds and general landscaping are not eligible.

1. Contact Stormwater Manager Rob Beilfuss to request an initial inspection prior to starting the project.
2. Once approved, the applicant can proceed with the project.
3. Once the project is completed, submit a Stormwater Cost Sharing Application, along with receipts, copies of paid invoices and a photo of the completed project.
4. The City will process reimbursement after the project is approved and receipts and photos of the final project have been submitted.

Requirements

• For rain garden, bioswale, or native plant stream buffer projects, the City requires access to your property for evaluation prior to, during, and after construction.
• For rain barrel and compost bin projects, the City reserves the right to inspect the project in the future to ensure proper use and maintenance.
• Implementation of an approved project is the sole responsibility of the property owner.
• The City is not liable for personal injury or property damage.
• Projects approved for funding carry no implied warranty by the City.
• The funded practice shall be maintained for a minimum period of three years. All maintenance costs are the responsibility of the property owner.
• The applicant is responsible for obtaining all applicable permits. The BMP Project Application approval does not constitute a permit.
• Underground utilities should be located by the property owner before digging.

Rain Garden & Native Plantings Resources

• Clean Water KC Metro Rain Gardens Information
• K-State Libraries Kansas Wildflowers & Grasses Information
• Rain Garden Plant List
• Wet Site Trees & Shrubs Lists

Adopt-A-Stream is a volunteer program that provides a partnership between the City and organized groups from schools, churches and businesses to promote community service in Olathe and help the environment. Those interested should submit an application on the Volunteer webpage.

Benefits of the Adopt-A-Stream program include building civic pride, beautifying creeks and streams, increasing safety, decreasing litter and pollutants in our waterways, and helping the environment.