Item No. {{item.number}}
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: STEVEN D. MCCULLEY, POLICE CHIEF
DATE: JULY 16, 2025
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO IMPLEMENT A
RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING PROGRAM ON MAPLE
AVENUE (BETWEEN STATION LANE AND EL CAMINO REAL)
AND ON ASHFIELD ROAD (BETWEEN THE TOWN CENTER
AND EL CAMINO REAL)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution establishing a Residential Permit Parking Program on Maple Avenue (between Station Lane and El Camino Real) and on Ashfield Road (between the Town Center and El Camino Real), restricting on-street parking to permit holders during specified hours.
BACKGROUND
The neighborhoods surrounding the Atherton Town Center and Library have experienced persistent parking congestion, particularly during popular library programs and community events.
This overflow parking has significantly impacted residential streets, most notably Maple Avenue and Ashfield Road, as well as adjacent streets such as Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Walnut Avenue, and portions of the Town Center parking lot.
At its May 27, 2025, meeting, the Transportation, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Safety Committee reviewed this issue, received public input, and recommended the implementation of a residentonly permit parking program on Maple Avenue, with Ashfield Road considered as part of a broader parking and circulation strategy.
The FY 2025/26 Adopted Budget includes funding for a comprehensive study reviewing parking and circulation in the Town Center area including the Town Center, Ashfield Road, Maple Avenue, Walnut Avenue, and Dinkelspiel Station Lane. Additionally, the evaluation will include a review of creating a pedestrian pathway along Dinkelspiel Station Lane from the Town Center to Watkins
IMPLEMENT A RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING PROGRAM ON MAPLE AVENUE JULY 16, 2025
Avenue. In the interim, specific measures are needed to mitigate near-term parking challenges for affected residents.
ANALYSIS
Over the past year, several operational measures have been implemented to address traffic and parking concerns, including:
· Speed surveys confirming low traffic speeds (< 20 mph). · Installation of traffic calming features (e.g., speed humps on Maple Avenue). · Red curb painting to improve visibility near Station Lane. · Library program redistribution to Holbrook-Palmer Park and schedule staggering. · Library patron education regarding alternative parking and congestion mitigation.
While these measures have provided some benefit, parking overflow and congestion remain ongoing challenges. A resident-only parking permit program is a next step to directly address neighborhood spillover.
PROPOSED PROGRAM DETAILS
Affected Streets:
• Maple Avenue (Between Station Lane and El Camino Real) • Ashfield Road (Between Town Center and El Camino Real) Restrictions:
• Resident-Only (and Guest) Permit Parking Only
• Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Permits Available To:
• Residents of Maple Avenue and Ashfield Road (4 per address) • Temporary guest permits also available
• Final procedures and criteria will be established by the Town Manager or their designee and posted on the Town’s website or available with the City Clerk Implementation Elements:
• Placard-based permit system for easy issuance and enforcement • Signage installation prior to enforcement
• Enforcement conducted by Code Enforcement or Patrol personnel, as available • Staff recognize the need for consistent and equitable enforcement and will monitor impacts and resourcing needs.
• Final procedures and criteria will be established by the Town Manager or their designee and
IMPLEMENT A RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING PROGRAM ON MAPLE AVENUE JULY 16, 2025
posted on the Town’s website or available with the City Clerk
FISCAL IMPACT
Minimal short-term fiscal impact. Signage and permit placards can be accommodated within existing Police and Public Works budgets. Long-term program costs and staffing demands are undetermined at this time and will be reassessed following the program implementation.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal C - Maintain Conservative Fiscal Policies and Financial Transparency • Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
POLICY FOCUS
Adoption of this resolution is consistent with Council goals of enhancing neighborhood livability, supporting local mobility, and ensuring equitable access to Town services. Authority is provided by California Vehicle Code §22507 and Atherton Municipal Code Chapters 10.04 and 10.16.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee (meets as needed)
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution: Resident Permit Parking on Maple Avenue & Ashfield Road B. Letter of Notice to Residents