A. There is a need for an alternative method of enforcement for violations of the Atherton Municipal Code, other town ordinances, applicable state codes, conditions on entitlements, and land use approvals. An appropriate method of enforcement is the imposition of an administrative citation program and related fines as authorized by Government Code Section 53069.4.

B. The issuance of an administrative citation under this chapter is solely at the town’s discretion and is one of various options that the town has to address violations of the Atherton Municipal Code, other town ordinances, applicable state codes, conditions on entitlements, and land use approvals. By adopting this chapter, the town does not intend to limit its discretion to use any other remedy, civil or criminal, to address such violations.

C. Enforcement of the Atherton Municipal Code, other town ordinances, applicable state codes, conditions on entitlements, and land use approvals are matters of local concern and serve to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the town, and such enforcement is a valid exercise of the town’s police power.

D. Issuing administrative citations encourages voluntary and complete compliance with the provisions of this code, other town ordinances, applicable state codes, conditions on entitlements, and land use approvals in a timely and cost efficient manner that protects and benefits all town residents. (Ord. 585 § 1 (part), 2010)