Mailboxes should be clean, well maintained and upright. Neat, attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of our community. According to the United States Postal Service, mailboxes should be positioned 41” to 45” from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry. Mailboxes should be 6″ to 8″ back from the edge of the curb.
You MUST submit an Architectural Request before replacing your mailbox.
USPS Guidelines when replacing your 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.
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.
