Unified Development Ordinance Update

The City of Olathe, Kansas is requesting proposals from qualified consulting firms to review and update its Unified Development Ordinance following adoption of the Elevate Olathe Comprehensive Plan, with proposals due July 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM CST and a non-mandatory virtual pre-proposal conference on June 16 at 11:00 AM CST.

The scope includes research and analysis of the adopted Comprehensive Plan, a UDO audit comparing existing standards to other municipalities, development and implementation of a public engagement plan with a minimum of three community stakeholder meetings, one public open house, technical committee meetings, and four Planning Commission and City Council presentations, and delivery of a complete updated UDO in multiple formats (Microsoft Word, InDesign, and PDF) with hyperlinks and supporting graphics. The consultant must also conduct technical and legal drafting and document preparation.

The current budgeted amount is $300,000. Proposals must include a not-to-exceed cost with a breakdown for project deliverables and optional expenses. The tentative schedule calls for City Council contract approval in September 2026 and interviews of shortlisted firms from July 27 through August 5, 2026.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: recent relevant project experience (30%), project approach and understanding including public engagement (30%), qualifications of assigned individuals (15%), client references (10%), project timeline and scope (10%), and fee (5%). The City will award to the firm judged most advantageous and retains ownership and the ability to modify all data and files generated. The consultant must maintain Professional Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 per claim and in the aggregate for three years following contract termination; Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate; Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability of $500,000 each; and Business Auto Insurance of $500,000 combined single limit. All proposals require a notarized affidavit and must comply with Kansas Acts Against Discrimination provisions and applicable federal, state, and local laws.