FAQs
- Can I walk my dog off leash in Town?
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The Town of Atherton has a leash law. Please see Title 6, Chapter 4 of the Atherton Municipal Code for further information about this, and other animal related ordinances.
- My neighbor's dog barks constantly. What can I do about this?
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Title 6, chapter 4 of the Atherton municipal code discusses all topics related to animal control, including barking dogs.
- Where can I report a mountain lion sighting?
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The Department of Fish and Game handles Mountain Lion sightings.
- I was able to catch a dog running loose in my neighborhood. What should I do next?
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Contact the Peninsula Humane Society. They will respond to your residence to pick up the dog.
- There is construction going on in my neighborhood. When is work allowed to start and when must it end?
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There is a noise ordinance for the Town. Please see Title 8, Chapter 16 of the Atherton Municipal Code for further details.
- I am hosting an event at my residence. Is there a permit required to do this?
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Some events require permits, others do not. You can find out more about the requirements associated with events by reviewing Chapter Town of Atherton Municipal Code Title 17, Chapter 56.
- I am planning an event that will include live music. Is there a noise ordinance related to amplified entertainment?
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Please read about permits for noise levels in the Atherton Municipal code in Chapter 8, Section 16.070
- Do I need a permit to park my vehicle in the Atherton Caltrain parking lot?
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You do not need a permit, however, if you are parking for an extended amount of time please inform the Police Department at (650) 688-6500.
- How do I dispose of old batteries?
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Recology of San Mateo County will recycle your batteries.
- What can I do with my unused computers?
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Read about the various choices regarding your unwanted computers.
- Can I recycle my unsued cell phone?
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If you wish to recycle the phone(s) you can do so with Recology of San Mateo County.
- Can my unused cell phone be put to another use?
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You may donate your cell phone to your local Verizon Wireless store as part of their Hopeline Program. The closest Verizon store to Atherton is located 1.5 miles North in Redwood City at 2501 El Camino Real.
- I need to dispose of some syringes. Is there a place to do this?
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San Mateo County offers choices for disposal.
- Will the Police Department help me get rid of my unwanted guns?
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If you have a gun, grenade or other explosive device in your residence that you wish to dispose of contact the Police Department and an officer will respond to your residence. Please do NOT bring the items to the Police Deparment. Our goal is to asist you in a safest manner possible. The best way to for us to do so is to allow us to handle the items.
- What should I do with my unused medication?
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San Mateo County has many locations to safely dispose of your unused medications.
- I have some old solvents and other chemicals to dispose of. Where can I do this?
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Household hazardous waste programs are available within San Mateo County.
- Where can I dispose of ammunition or a firearm if I live in the Town of Atherton?
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Upon your request, the Atherton Police Department will dispose of any ammunition you may have at your house. Just call the police department at 650-688-6500, or you can bring your ammunition down to the station. We will also dispose of any old firearms you do not want. If you bring a firearm to the police department for disposal, make sure it is unloaded and keep it in the trunk of your vehicle until an officer meets with you in the lobby. You can also call the police department at 650-688-6500 and an officer will meet you at your home.
- I am going on vacation. Should I notify the Police Department?
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The Police Department performs house checks for residents.
- The Atherton Police were in my neighborhood the other day. How can I find out why?
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The Police Department has a website to allow viewing of daily activity, crime statistics and more.
- I want my home alarm monitored directly by the Police Department. How do I go about doing this?
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Instructions for connecting your alarm to the Police Department can be accessed below.
- Where can I report a mountain lion sighting?
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The Department of Fish and Game handles Mountain Lion sightings.
- I recently found an iPod (or other item of monetary value) on the ground while out on a walk in my neighborhood. Should I turn it into the Police Department?
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Items of this nature should be turned into the Atherton Police Department. Items found in other cities should be turned into the appropriate agency for that jurisdiction.
- Do I need a permit to park my vehicle in the Atherton Caltrain parking lot?
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You do not need a permit, however, if you are parking for an extended amount of time please inform the Police Department at (650) 688-6500.