Charitable, non-profit organizations located in Olathe may qualify for a monthly discount on City non-residential stormwater service charges.
The City of Olathe’s Non-Residential Stormwater Management Fee is based on lot area square footage up to a certain amount, or cap. City Council can approve adjusting this cap to ensure a more equitable allocation of costs across the stormwater system. This may impact non-profits with properties over a certain size, so a non-profit stormwater discount program is offered.
Non-profit organizations that meet criteria for qualification can apply for exemption from future cap increases, but not future rate increases. Upon approval of the discount by the City, a non-profit organization will remain in their tier prior to the most recent cap increase. A non-profit organization can apply for the discount up to 60 days after receiving first bill including a cap increase.
For example, if a cap increase is approved for the current budget year and a non-profit organization applies for the non-profit discount within 60 days after receiving an increased bill due to a cap increase, they will be grandfathered into their previous budget year lot size tier. Rate increases will still be applied.
The City has established the following criteria for qualification:
- Applicants must be exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRS). To verify exemption, visit IRS.gov.
- Proof of ownership of the property, or a copy of the current lease agreement indicating that the organization is responsible for stormwater charges.
The application process:
Upon reception of needed information and approval of the discount, future monthly bills will be based on the non-profit’s lot area tier prior to the most recent cap increase and the rate as stated in the most current Comprehensive Listing of Fees and Charges. Bill adjustments and/or refunds will not be provided to charges accrued prior to application approval.
The City reserves the right to audit the non-profit status of an organization at any time.
The City will accept the following documents as proof of nonprofit or tax-exempt status:
- § 501(c)(3) Determination Letter from the IRS. Applicants can request a copy of their determination letter by visiting IRS.gov.
