Mailbox Damage

During snowfall events, it is possible for mailboxes to be damaged by the force of snow as it comes off a snowplow blade. Be aware that a mailbox with one or more of the following issues has an increased likelihood of being damaged as a result of snow being pushed from the roadway:

• Mailbox is not set far enough from the back of the curb or edge of shoulder

• Mailbox post materials are degraded

• Mailbox is not property affixed to the post

 If any of the aforementioned conditions apply to your mailbox, please consider repairing or replacing your mailbox.

Mailboxes that are damaged by the force of snow as it comes off the plow of Village vehicles will not be compensated for. However, the Village will replace a damaged mailbox that is directly contacted by the plow. If a repair is not possible due to weather conditions, the Village will make a temporary repair with permanent repairs to be done in the spring.

Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when placing your mailbox (see diagram at top right):

• Post Material: Wooden posts should be a minimum of 4-x-4 inches and maximum of 6-x- inches. Steel pipe posts should be a maximum of 2-in. in diameter.

• Box Setback: Mailboxes must be 6 to 8 inches behind the back of the curb. If you do not have a raised curb, contact your local postmaster for guidance.

• Position mailboxes 41 to 45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox.

• Posts should be buried 24 inches deep. 

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call the Public Works Department at (708) 957-4100.