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Atherton council leans toward enforcement signs for new EV chargers after study session
Summary
After discussing enforcement, signage and data from ChargePoint maps, the Atherton Town Council directed staff to install ground stenciling and optional enforcement signage for new EV charging spots, with a 3–2 split in favor of signage.
Atherton — The Atherton Town Council on Nov. 5 reviewed policy options for electric-vehicle charging spots and by council direction (counted in the meeting as 3–2) authorized installation of enforcement signage in addition to the minimum ground stenciling.
City Manager (unnamed) reminded the council that the Oct. 15 consent allowed installation of two dual chargers and that, while ground stenciling is the minimum requirement, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) permits additional signage that enables enforcement when vehicles are not actively charging. "At a minimum, we're required to stencil on the ground EV charging spots," the City Manager said, adding that signage is discretionary and can be installed now or later depending on demand.
The manager recommended charging rates to match existing locations: 32¢ per kilowatt-hour for energy and a $2 parking charge after two hours. Councilmembers debated whether signage should be installed immediately or added later if complaints arise. Several members said starting with stenciling and monitoring usage would be sufficient; other members argued that installing signs now would preserve the town's ability to enforce and avoid delays.
Public Works Director Robert Wadia and councilmembers noted that the chargers were funded by a PCE grant. Speakers also discussed that chargers will appear on the ChargePoint app and the app indicates whether a unit is plugged in; one councilmember observed that an app showing availability when a gas car occupies the spot can frustrate EV drivers.
After discussion, the City Manager recapped the direction as "3 to 2 with the sign up," meaning a majority favored placing the optional enforcement signage when the chargers are installed. The council instructed staff to proceed with the stenciling and to install signage that allows enforcement if misuse becomes a problem.
Why it matters: The council's direction affects how the new chargers will be managed and how the town will handle vehicles occupying EV spaces without charging; enforcement signage enables parking enforcement to ticket noncharging vehicles in those spaces.
Next steps: Staff will apply ground stenciling at minimum, install enforcement signage per council direction and monitor usage data from the ChargePoint system; the council did not set a follow-up date in the transcript.
