City Council Approves Residential Parking Program for Maple Avenue and Ashfield Road

The Town Council of Atherton held a regular meeting on July 16, 2025, addressing several key issues, including parking regulations and enforcement strategies. The meeting began with discussions on the implementation of a new residential permit parking program aimed at improving parking management in specific areas of the town.

The council outlined a proactive approach to enforcement, which will be initiated after an educational outreach period for residents. This shift from a complaint-based enforcement model to a more proactive stance is intended to ensure compliance with the new parking regulations. The Chief of Police confirmed that the standard parking citation fee would remain at $41, a figure set by the state of California, which governs the fines for various traffic violations.

Council Member DeGoya raised questions regarding the adequacy of the citation fee in covering costs, to which the Chief clarified that the fee is primarily a penalty rather than a cost-recovery measure. The council also discussed exemptions to the parking permit requirements, specifically for service vehicles such as pool cleaners and landscapers, which will be allowed to park without a permit if they are clearly marked and parked in front of the premises they are servicing.

A motion was made to adopt the resolution for the residential permit parking program on designated streets, which was seconded and passed unanimously. This decision marks a significant step in the town's efforts to enhance parking management and address community concerns regarding parking availability.

The meeting concluded with the council moving on to the next agenda item, indicating a structured approach to addressing the town's needs and ensuring that residents are informed and involved in the decision-making process.