Development Services

The Development Services Department focuses on:

• Growth and its impacts on the physical character of the community
• Enforcement of codes for the health, safety, and welfare of Olathe’s citizens
• Helping the community achieve its desired future through implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan

The Department consists of two divisions:

Location
City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe St, in downtown Olathe.

Hours
8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday (except Holidays).

I. Planning Services Division
The Planning Services Division helps Olathe to identify and achieve its desired future. This work includes both a future-oriented, long-range planning component and a current planning component that reviews specific proposals for development.

Long Range Planning
Responsibilities include implementing the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan and facilitating the preparation and update of future land use plans, corridor plans, and other specific plans. Staff also processes annexation requests and creates and maintains community profile information.

Current Planning
Responsibilities include review of re-zoning requests, site development plans, special use permits, and plats. Staff processes these applications and makes recommendations to the Planning Commission. Staff also provides information to the public about land use issues.

Other Planning Services Functions:
Zoning Enforcement
Responsibilities include conducting commercial and residential development inspections, review of sign permits, and enforcement of the Unified Development Ordinance, including home-based businesses, sign placement, and commercial outdoor storage and display areas.

Signs
Includes the review of sign permit applications for compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance, including sign height, size, materials, placement and method of illumination. This includes temporary signs, banners, and inflatable advertising devices.

II. The Building Codes Division
The Building Codes Division issues building permits, inspects construction projects, and ensures implementation of Olathe’s building codes. Building Codes staff also work to ensure that Olathe’s building codes are kept up-to-date. All of this work is directed toward protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of Olathe’s citizens.

Building Codes staff are organized by two primary functions: Building Permits and Building Inspections.

Building Permits
Responsibilities include enforcing Olathe’s building codes to ensure safety and quality of construction. Staff reviews building plans and issues permits. Staff also provides information to developers, contractors, and others regarding building codes and building requirements.

Building Inspections
Responsibilities include ensuring code-compliant building construction for the safety of tenants and long-term value to property owners.