Residential Mailbox Laws
The United States Postal Service mailbox regulations are broad-based to allow enough flexibility for homeowners to adapt their mailbox to the layout of their property. The mail carrier's safety must always be protected, however, and mailbox mounts must meet certain guidelines. Local and state regulations also apply, so if you have any questions you should always check with your local postmaster before making a permanent mailbox mounting or moving your mailbox. Does this Spark an idea?
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Spacing from Road or Curb
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The mailbox must be within easy reach of the mail carrier from his vehicle. The door of a post-mounted mailbox should be 6 to 8 inches from the edge of the curb. The mailbox should be mounted so the floor of the mailbox is 41 to 45 inches from the ground. Mailboxes must be on the right side of the road as the carrier approaches.
Maintaining the approach to a post-mounted mailbox is the resident's responsibility. This includes gravel upkeep and snow removal.
Type of Post
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Mailbox posts can be made from any material that provides a sturdy, stable mount. Wood and metal are the most popular materials. A mailbox can mounted on a swinging arm as long as it is stabilized for delivery. This takes care of problems with ditches or places where there is not a suitable road shoulder to set a post.
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Customization
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Mailboxes must be manufactured to meet USPS specifications for size and style. You can paint your mailbox or use a designed cover as long as it does not interfere with the door or flag operation. Customization must not contain anything that might be construed as disparaging or offensive. No advertising is allowed on your mailbox. You can construct your own mailbox for aesthetic purposes, but it must meet size and design requirements and be approved by your postmaster.
Locked mailboxes are acceptable. The slot opening on a locked box needs to be large enough for the typical daily mail you receive. A carrier will deliver only what fits through the slot, and will leave a notice for pick-up for over-sized pieces. Postal workers do not use keys.
House-Mounted Mailboxes
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House-mounted mailboxes must be large enough to accommodate a typical day's mail. Many approved decorative styles are available. Residents are responsible for making sure the walkway to a house-mounted mailbox is clear, and that pets are not loose in the vicinity.
Newspapers and Fliers
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Printed materials other than postage-paid U.S. mail must not be placed in a mailbox. This includes advertising fliers and newspapers, unless a newspaper is delivered by the mail carrier on a postage-paid basis. Newspaper delivery tubes may be mounted on a mailbox post as long as they do not touch the mailbox or interfere with mail delivery.
Address Numbers
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Roadside mailboxes must have the box number or house number clearly marked with 1-inch or larger numbers on the carrier's approach side. For mailboxes arranged several in a row, the numbers must be on the door of each box. Having your name on the mailbox is optional. In areas where 911 emergency location address numbers are required, they may be marked clearly on the mailbox post.
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