Mailbox Guidelines

Installing a New Mailbox

Look for Postmaster General's Seal

Every new mailbox design should be reviewed and receive the Postmaster General's (PMG) seal of approval before it goes to market. If you opt to construct your own mailbox, it must meet the same standards as manufactured boxes, so show the plans to your local postmaster for approval. Looking for a larger mailbox? Try one of our Next Generation Mailboxes (see USPS website for next generation mailboxes)

When clearing your driveway, please take a moment to see if the street has been cleared to the curb line. If it has not, you can expect that a plow will be making another pass down your street. If you can, try to wait to clear the end of your driveway until the street has been cleared the the curb. This way, you avoid having to clear the end of your driveway more than once.

Placing the Mailbox

Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when installing your mailbox:

• Position your mailbox 41" to 45" from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry.
• Place your mailbox 6" to 8" back from the curb. If you do not have a raised curb, contact your local postmaster for guidance.
• Put your house or apartment number on the mailbox.
• If your mailbox is on a different street from your house or apartment, put your full street address on the box.
• If you are attaching the box to your house, make sure the postal carrier can reach it easily from your sidewalk, steps, or porch.

Installing the Post

The best mailbox supports are stable but bend or fall away if a car hits them. The Federal Highway Administration recommends:

• A 4" x 4" wooden support or a 2"-diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe.
• Avoid unyielding and potentially dangerous supports, like heavy metal pipes, concrete posts, and farm equipment (e.g., milk cans filled with concrete).
• Bury your post no more than 24" deep.

This time of year, you should be checking your mail box for a secure mounting post or any cracked, rotting, or defective components. Mailboxes that do not meet the guidelines are likely to be damaged during snow removal and the Department of Public Works will not repair or replace them.

Public Works will not repair or replace mailbox damage that occurs because the latch does not hold the door completely and securely closed.

Public Works will not repair or replace mailboxes that have been damaged due to being hit by the snow that comes off of the plow when it travels down your street.

Should you have any questions, please contact Public Works Monday-Friday 7:00 AM until 3:00 PM at 865-4222.