Improper mailbox placement and support systems play a significant role in accidents, resulting in potential death and injuries.

Heavy, ornamental and certain multiple installations can be lethal as roadside obstacles.

Mailbox installations should conform to the following regulations:

1. Mailbox shall be constructed of light steel, aluminum or plastic conforming to U.S. Postal Service requirements. Mounting posts shall be a four (4) inch x four (4) inch square post or a two (2) inch diameter steel post.

Masonry installations, large receptacles filled with sand or concrete,

metal posts larger than two (2) inches in diameter, and wood posts

larger than four (4) inches square shall not be permitted.

2. No more than two (2) mailboxes shall be mounted on one support post.

3. The mailbox shall be firmly fixed to the support post to prevent them from separating in the event of an accident.

4. Supports shall be embedded no more than 24 inches into the ground and shall not be embedded in concrete. Posts shall not be fitted with anchor plates unless they are federally approved to meet break-away standards.

5. The mailbox, support or base may be no closer than four (4) feet to the edge of the paved or the main traveled portion of the roadway. Where shoulders, grass or gravel, are in excess of four (4) feet the mailbox, supports, and base shall be located at the back edge of the shoulder. Where curbs are constructed adjacent to the road the mailbox, supports and base shall be located at the back of curb.

Construction and snow removal along county roads creates the potential for damage to mailboxes and their support systems.

REPLACEMENT (No more than 1 per year)

The following policy will apply regarding the replacement of mail boxes located in the county road right of way. 

1.         Upon presentation of a mailbox damaged by Cass County Road Commission equipment,  a citizen will be given a standard metal mailbox with attached post. 

2.         Name and address information will be collected so that a $20 check can be issued to offset the cost of installation of the mailbox and post.  

Note: The check will be issued when the CCRC next processed payable checks.

3.         The damaged box will be retained and disposed of by the CCRC. 

Effective 4/01/09

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