The U.S. Postal Service has certain guidelines for the placement of residential mailboxes. Regulations, including those that dictate the height of a mailbox, are put in place to make the job of mail carriers more convenient. Homeowners should keep these federal regulations in mind when installing a mailbox. A mailbox should be accessible for your mail carrier so that he or she can easily and safely deliver mail to your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Mailbox Height
The U.S. Postal Service requires that the bottom of a mailbox must be 41 to 45 inches from the ground to ensure that the mail carrier can deliver and pick up your mail without having to step out of her vehicle.
Special Conditions
If you live in an area that prevents you from installing a mailbox at the required height, contact your local post office. Employees there will be able to help you move the box to an appropriate place. If you plan to install a custom-made mailbox, you also need to contact your local post office. The U.S. Postal Service accepts custom-made boxes as long as they meet the general standards of the Postal Service. If you want to put a lock on your mailbox, it must be a model approved by the Postal Service; locks normally are approved as long as the box has a slot large enough to accommodate your daily volume of mail, according to the U.S. Postal Service.
Other Things to Consider
Besides the height, there are other things to consider when installing your mailbox. The mailbox must always be installed on the right-hand side of the road, because this is the direction that all mail carriers travel. The U.S. Postal Service also requires that the letters in the box holder's name---and the house number---should be at least one inch tall. The U.S. Postal Service does not regulate mailbox support, so it's up to the homeowner to install a mailbox that is stable and secure. The area around the mailbox also should be kept clear so the mail carrier can deliver your mail without running into obstacles.
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