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MAILBOX
INSTALLTION GUIDELINES
CURBSIDE
MAILBOXES
The
United States Postal Service (USPS) has created guidelines for
curbside mailbox installation. Here are the following guidelines:
-
Because
of varying road and curb conditions, the Postal Service™
recommends that you contact your local postmaster for approval of
the location of your mailbox before you put it up.
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Put
a roadside mailbox where a carrier can safely reach inside without
leaving the truck. That means positioning it about 41” to 45”
off the ground and back about 6” to 8” from the curb. In the
absence of a raised curb, contact your local postmaster for
guidance.
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Use
a
wooden mailbox support no bigger than
4” x 4", buried no more than 24” deep
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For
Complete Guidelines, visit
Mailbox
Guidelines at USPS.com
.
WALL
MOUNTED MAILBOXES
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The
house or apartment number should be clearly displayed on your
mailbox.
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If
you live in the city and are attaching the box to your house, just
make sure it can be accessed easily from your sidewalk, steps, or
porch. Because city carriers often shoulder heavy bags, put your
mailbox about 4’ from the ground. That way, your carrier won’t
have to stretch or bend to reach it. And remember to keep the path
to your mailbox clear in inclement weather.
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For
Complete Guidelines, visit
Mailbox
Guidelines at USPS.com
.
To
see all
Standards
Governing the Design of Curbside Mailboxes
,
click the link for the PDF document.
USPS
RULES & REGULATIONS FOR MAILBOX REGULATIONS
All
rules & regulations can be found in Section 3.0 in the
DMM
– Domestic Mail Manual 508 - Recipient Services.
Below
we have highlighted some of the regulations from the manual:
Section
3.1.4 Clear Approach
Customers
must keep the approach to their mailboxes clear of obstructions to
allow safe access for delivery. If USPS employees are impeded in
reaching a mail receptacle, the postmaster may withdraw delivery
service.
Section
3.2.3 Locked Box
A
mailbox with a lock must have a slot that is large enough to
accommodate the customer’s normal daily mail volume. The USPS
neither opens a locked box nor accepts a key for this purpose.
Section
3.2.4 Mailbox Post
The
post or other support for a curbside mailbox must be neat and of
adequate strength and size. The post may not represent effigies or
caricatures that tend to disparage or ridicule any person. The box
may be attached to a fixed or movable arm.
Section
3.2.7 Address Identification
Every
curbside mailbox must bear the following address information:
1. A
box number, if used, inscribed in contrasting color in neat letters
and numerals at least 1 inch high on the side of the box visible to
the carrier’s regular approach, or on the door if boxes are
grouped.
2. A
house number if street names and house numbers have been assigned by
local authorities, and the postmaster authorizes their use as a
postal address. If the box is on a different street from the
customer’s residence, the street name and house number must be
inscribed on the box.
Section
3.2.8 Owner’s Name
The
mailbox may bear the owner’s name.
HOUSE
NUMBER GUIDELINES
If
you live in an Urban area, there is most likely rules &
regulations regarding the size/style of your house number and where
it can be located on your dwelling. All of our Wall Mounted Mailboxes
have numbers that meet the size/color requirements for most cities.
You can read about house number sizing at the
National
Association of Certified Home Inspectors
website. It's
best to contact your city for their specified house number
requirements.
MAILBOX POST INSTALLATION VIDEO
The following video is an excellent resource for replacing your mailbox post and mailbox. Please check it out!
MAIL THEFT & IDENTITY THEFT
As stated in the article Your Risky Mailbox: Identity Theft 101, your mailbox is the riskiest non-technological point for identity theft. They have some tips in the article (please read it) in ways to help combat Mail & Identity Theft, and using a Lockable Mailbox is a very high priority. Don't have your Identity Stolen, take precautions!
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