Mailbox Information

Please review the U.S. Postal Service Guidelines for mailboxes by clicking here.

Mailbox Policy

Mailbox installation:

Mailboxes shall be installed in accordance with the United States Postal Service regulations found on their website at www.USPS.com.

All mailboxes should have the Postmaster General’s seal of approval.

Maintenance and inspection:

  • Mailboxes and posts should be inspected annually to determine if repairs or replacement are necessary.
  • Posts should be checked for wood rot or metal that has rusted through and compromised the integrity of the post. Posts should be securely anchored into the ground at a depth sufficient to hold the weight of the mailbox and withstand the force from the snow that may be coming off municipal plows
  • All hardware used for construction and assembly of your mailbox system shall be exterior grade such as galvanized or stainless steel. Fasteners used to secure your mailbox to the post shall be sufficient strength to ensure the mailbox remains firmly attached to the post system
  • All mailboxes must clearly display the address on both sides per Ordinance 1331.04

Mailbox replacement policy:

  • All mailbox damage complaints will be investigated by the Service Director or his/her designee.
  • Mailbox damage determined as a result of the snowplow directly hitting the mailbox will be either repaired or replaced by the Service Department. Replacements will consist of a standard sized USPS approved mailbox on a treated 4×4 post braced with a crossarm using exterior grade fasteners.
  • Residents wishing to have a direct replacement whether a custom style box or plastic “Step Two” type box will be at the residents’ expense. There will be no exception to this policy
  • Mailbox damage determined as a result of lack of maintenance and repair (rotted posts, rusted fasteners or mailboxes) will be the sole responsibility of the property owner
  • Orange Village is not responsible for damage to a mailbox by snow coming off the snow plow during routine roadway clearing

 Additional Information:  Orange Village’s primary goal during heavy snow is to clear the roads for the safety and convenience of residents and for emergency equipment. Most mailbox damage occurs from the weight of snow and slush; Orange Village does not assume responsibility for these occurrences.

Snow Removal Regulations for Private Contractors

All private residential plow contractor needs to be registered with the Orange Village Building Department. Contractors must be instructed not to pile driveway snow up against mailboxes. Piles of snow around mailboxes and left falling into the roadway cause additional amounts of snow to strike your mailbox and when the piles freeze, they will cause posts to sheer. Additionally, contractors are not permitted to push snow across the road or leave snow piles in the roadway. Violators will be cited.

During periods of extended inclement weather or snow periods, when immediate mailbox replacement is not feasible, the Service Department may provide a temporary mailbox to ensure uninterrupted mail delivery. The number of boxes is limited and distributed on a first- come, first-served basis.

Mailbox Placement

The construction and placement of mailboxes is critical to ensure delivery of your mail and avoid damage from cars and snowplows. Use only U.S. Post Office approved mailboxes. Should you want to install a Custom Mailbox contact the local Postmaster for approval.

Mailboxes should be set so the mail carrier can safely and conveniently deliver the mail. We recommend 1 (one) foot from the edge of the road on streets with curbs and 2 (two) feet on streets without curbs. If you supply an access, either gravel or paved you may place the mailbox farther off the road. The farther off the road the mailbox sits the less likelihood it will receive damage.

Posts should be no closer than 2 (two) feet from road edge. Some of our plows extend that far from the edge of the road. Semi-arch or extended arm-type posts are recommended.

Mailboxes should be no lower than 4 (four) feet from road surface.

The Federal Highway Administration has determined that mailbox supports should be no larger than 4 inches by 4 inches in wood, or 2 inch diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe, buried no deeper than 24 inches and should safely break away if struck by a vehicle. Any supports greater than what is listed here could cause excessive damage to vehicles if struck.

The mailbox must be securely attached to its post to prevent separation if struck. Use a 1 1/2-inch thick fir or pressure treated lumber mounting to attach the mailbox to the post or arm. Use weather resistant screws or bolts to attach the mailbox and mounting to the post or arm. Do not use nails they tend to corrode and weaken their hold in the wood.

Perform seasonal inspections of the post and all hardware. Repair when necessary.

All mailboxes must have the street number displayed. This also helps the safety forces in an emergency.

Some Common Problems We Have Encountered:

Plastic mailboxes become brittle in the cold weather of Northeast Ohio. This attributes to breakage when snow comes off the snowplow trucks.

“Step 2” mailboxes require the mounting post to be in the back. If you use your present post this can cause the mailbox to be too close to the street. A new 4 X 4 post should be used on all installations. They are also brittle in the cold.

Wood mailbox enclosures rot over time and become weak. Regular maintenance is required. Use pressure treated pine or Douglas fir. These resist rotting and splitting. Cedar is weak and splits easily.

The larger the enclosure the more stress it receives from snow and slush coming off the plows.

Tell your driveway snowplower not to push the snow against or to the mailbox side of your drive. When the street plows come by it can shift the pile and cause damage to your mailbox.

Make sure your door closes securely. As the plows pass your mailbox they create a suction which can pull the door open and suck out your mail. Also when the door is open it can be damaged easily.

If you have any questions about your mailbox placement please contact the Orange Village Service Department at 440-498-4403.