HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlacingTheMailboxCity of Oshkosh
Street Division Mailbox Policy
The Department of Public Works Street Division has experienced some problems during
snow plowing with the incorrect placement of mailboxes. The United States Postal
Service (USPS) has requirements for mailbox placement and the Department of Public
Works has requirements in order for the snow plow operators to clear snow. Remember
that weather, frost, and age will affect a mailbox and annual maintenance by the
resident is recommended.
The USPS requirements are as follows: place the front of the mailbox 6 to 8 inches back
from the curb. Place the mailbox 41 to 45 inches from the road surface to the bottom
of the mailbox or point of mail entry. In areas where there is no curb, the height of the
mailbox should be 48 inches from the top of the ground to the bottom of the mailbox.
The Department of Public Works will not accept liability for mailboxes found with
measurements outside of the USPS requirements. If a plow truck damages a mailbox
due to the force of the snow rolling off the plow, the mailbox will not be repaired or
replaced by the Department of Public Works. Mailboxes that meet the USPS
requirements and are able to be repaired to working condition, will be repaired and
will not be replaced. The Department of Public Works may choose to replace a
mailbox damaged beyond repair with a standard mailbox approved by the USPS. The
Department of Public Works may, upon request of the property owner, provide $50.00
towards the replacement cost of said mailbox.
Claims for mailbox damage must be submitted to the Street Division (232‐5380) within 36
hours after damage. Final judgment will be made by a Public Works Supervisor.