Item No. 3
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – STUDY SESSION
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: NOVEMBER 5, 2025
SUBJECT: PROVIDE FEEDBACK AND DIRECTION REGARDING
ELECTRICAL VEHICLE CHARGING USE AND ENFORCEMENT
POLICY
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review and provide feedback and direction to staff regarding the use and enforcement of electrical vehicle charging spots, including signage, charging rates and enforcement.
BACKGROUND
The City Council, at the October 15, 2025, Council meeting, approved a contract, with Verdek LLC, for the installation of two dual port electrical vehicle charging stations at Holbrook-Palmer Park (4 stalls). The installation is planned in the main parking lot of the Park. There are existing dual port stations at City Hall.
The charging stations at City Hall have been operational since opening of the Town Center. They are signed pursuant to the Building Code and Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). They have additional signage that allows the Town to enforce, upon complaint, the requirement of active charging.
With approval of the stations at the Park, additional policy direction is requested regarding signage, charging rates and potential enforcement.
Layout and Signage:
General construction and installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stalls (EVCS) is governed by the Building Code. Where EVCS are provided for public use or common use, accessible EVCS shall be provided in accordance with specified standards.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
NOVEMBER 5, 2025
EVCS that serve a particular building or facility shall be located on an accessible route to an entrance complying with Section 11B-206.4. Where EVCS do not serve a particular building or facility, EVCS complying with Section 11B-812 shall be located on an accessible route to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the EV charging facility. An accessible route shall connect the vehicle space and the EV charger which serves it. There are additional requirements for van accessible spaces based on the number of charging spaces at the location. Presently, if there are 1 to 4 spaces, only 1 van accessible space is required. If more than 4 spaces are required, there are requirements for additional signage.
EVCS vehicle spaces shall provide surface marking stating "EV CHARGING ONLY" in letters 12 inches (305 mm) high minimum. The centerline of the text shall be a maximum of 6 inches (152 mm) from the centerline of the vehicle space and its lower corner at, or lower side aligned with, the end of the vehicle space length
FIGURE 11B-812.9
SURFACE MARKING
The California MUTCD outlines the requirements for optional regulatory signage that allows for enforcement of the EV charging requirements. If used, the Electric Vehicle Charging Station TowAway sign shall be placed immediately adjacent to, and visible from, the charging station stall or space, or at each entrance to an off-street parking facility to inform motorists that their vehicles will be towed away if parked in designated stalls or spaces without being connected for electric charging purposes.
Charging Rates:
The California Code of Regulations requires that charging rates be based on energy (per kWh or Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
NOVEMBER 5, 2025
MJ), and other fees (like parking or transaction fees) must be listed separately and clearly at the point of sale.
The public charging rates at the Town Center have been set at $0.32/kWh. To encourage turnover, an additional parking charge of $2.00/hour begins after the first 2 hours. There rates are viewable on the charging station. Employee rates have been set at 50% of the public rate.
Enforcement:
Due to complaints regarding non-electric vehicles parking in designated charging stalls, blocking access for those wanting to charge their vehicles, following consultation with the Police Department, the additional signage allowing for enforcement has been installed at the Town Center.
ANALYSIS
As noted above, two dual port charging stations are to be installed at Holbrook-Palmer Park. In the front parking lot near the exit drive.
Layout:
One of the spaces will need to be sized as a Van Accessible stall, with access aisle. Minor access improvements will be required to connect the accessible parking stalls to the existing pathway near the exit drive, which connects to the main lawn area.
Pavement Markings and Signage:
Per the Building Code, each stall is required to be marked with “EV CHARGING ONLY”. As less than four EVCS are planned for installation, no additional signage is required. When additional EVCS are installed in the future, Van Accessible spaces will need to be designated with signage including the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA). Van Accessible signage is not required for four or fewer stalls.
Other signage is optional. Should enforcement be desired, signage similar to what has been installed at the Town Center will be required - either visible from the EVCS, or at each entrance to the facility.
Charging Rates:
Charging rates are recommended to be set at the same rate as at the Town Center for consistency.
Enforcement:
Parking at the park is generally available and occupancy of the EV spaces is not anticipated to be an issue generally. There are, however, a few events that draw a significant number of attendees (and vehicles) to the park, including Earth Day, Easter Egg Hunt, and National Night Out. Though Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
NOVEMBER 5, 2025
the Library has started using the park for some activities, parking at the park for these events has not been an issue. Additionally, the Town is encouraging parking at the park for Town events which are anticipated to draw significant attendance.
Enforcement can be accommodated on an as-needed basis and, as noted above, would require the installation of signage that allows for such enforcement.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal A - Preserve Small Town Character & Quality of Life • Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
• Goal E - Maintain and Improve Public Infrastructure
POLICY FOCUS
The policy focus is related to electrical vehicle charging stalls, including signage, charging rates and enforcement.
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
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. None