Atherton approves streamlined false‑alarm program, directs unpaid fines for repeat offenders to collections

The Atherton City Council on April 15 voted to approve a simplified approach to the town’s residential false-alarm program aimed at reducing administrative burdens and recurring police responses.

Police staff told the council the town has about 2,500 parcels, monitors roughly 1,500 alarm systems, receives about 1,400 alarm calls and responds to about 900 alarms annually; staff estimated the response burden costs the town roughly $70,000 a year. The chief described two options and recommended Option B: maintain a no-fee permit registration with targeted outreach to chronic false-alarm locations, provide stepped notices (first, second, third) and, if residents do not comply, remove police alarm monitoring as a compliance mechanism.

Council members pressed for stronger outreach and verification steps (regular reminders, clearer notice that the third notice precedes removal from monitoring) and urged a more visible notification for repeat responders. One council member requested that unpaid fees for properties with four or more false alarms be referred to collections after 60 days; the council adopted Option B with that proviso and a six-month notification cadence for broader outreach.

Under the adopted approach, staff will step up targeted outreach and follow-up, use postcard notices after responses, and initiate collections procedures for unpaid fees when the criteria described by the council are met. Staff said they will report back with a strategic communications plan and incorporate these changes into the June fee resolution update.