How to Get the Contain the Rain Stormwater Cost-Share Program
City of Olathe · Kansas City metro (Johnson County), KS
What you get
Reimburses Olathe property owners 50% of eligible expenses for rain gardens, bioswales, and native-plant stream buffers (up to $1,000), rain barrels (up to $75 each, limit two), and compost bins (up to $75). First-come, first-served; limit one project per household per year; pre-inspection required before starting a rain garden, bioswale, or stream buffer; native trees/plants in general landscaping (outside an approved practice) are not eligible; 3-year maintenance commitment (City of Olathe; last verified July 2026).
- Residential: 50% match; up to $1,000 for a rain garden, bioswale, or native plant stream buffer, $75 per rain barrel (limit 2), $75 for a compost bin
Are you eligible?
- Be a City of Olathe customer
- Property located in: Olathe
- Olathe property owner
- First-come, first-served; limit one project per household per year
- Pre-inspection required before starting a rain garden, bioswale, or native stream buffer
- 3-year maintenance commitment
Before you start
Do not remove turf or begin work before you have written approval. This program requires pre-approval. Starting early can disqualify the project even if everything else is correct.
The application checklist
How to apply for the Contain the Rain Stormwater Cost-Share Program
These are the steps this application actually takes.
- 1
Request the initial inspection before you start
For a rain garden, bioswale, or native plant stream buffer, email Stormwater Manager Rob Beilfuss at rjbeilfuss@olatheks.org and request the initial inspection of your site before starting the project
- 2
Build the project, keep receipts and invoices
Have underground utilities located before digging, get any permits you need (approval is not a permit), then build the approved rain garden, bioswale, or stream buffer. The city may access the propert
- 3
Submit the online application with your documentation
Once the project is complete, submit the Stormwater Cost Sharing Application online with receipts, copies of paid invoices, and the photo of the finished project. The city processes reimbursement afte
- 4
Maintain the practice for three years
The funded practice must be maintained for at least three years, at your cost, and the city may evaluate the site after construction. Keep the garden weeded and the inlet and overflow clear.
The call below also unlocks the ready-to-file packet for this program in the app.
Get help applying
Want a hand with the application?
A 30-minute call with Stephen, the founder. He reads the Contain the Rain Stormwater Cost-Share Program rules with you, tells you what to photograph and file first, and answers anything this page does not cover.
Confirm your project ZIP first. If this program does not serve your address, do not buy; check your city or utility on the rebates page instead.
One-time $29.99. Guidance, not filing: you submit to the program yourself. Not legal or financial advice. Rebate amounts and approval are decided by the program.
Every program listed cites its official source, and each program page shows the date we last verified it against that source. Program details change throughout the year, so always confirm requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with the program before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.
See a problem with a program? Report it
Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.