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Mailbox
Damage and Issues
The
Clermont County Engineer’s Highway Maintenance Department makes every
effort to protect and preserve the integrity of property owners' mailboxes.
However, during periods of heavy snow accumulation, mailboxes are sometimes
damaged as a result of winter maintenance. Property owners are encouraged to
inspect their mailboxes/supports prior to the winter season each year and to
replace deteriorated mailboxes/posts in an effort to ensure their durability.
Is
your mailbox designed to stand up to the rigors of the winter plowing season?
What happens if your mailbox is damaged by plowing activities? The answer
depends on how the damage occurred.
If
you live on a road maintained by the Clermont County Engineer, and the mailbox
is actually struck by a snow plow, we will repair or replace the mailbox.
Mailboxes should be installed and maintained to withstand snow coming
off the end of the plow. If damage occurs due to snow discharge, the county
will not be responsible for repairs.
County
staff investigates each complaint to determine if the mailbox was hit by a plow
or other piece of equipment. Mailboxes
and/or supports that are damaged as a result of direct contact from our
equipment will be repaired or replaced. If replacement is necessary, a
standard rural mailbox/support will be used
Clermont
County
will not replace non-standard
boxes, mailboxes with custom
lettering, custom designing or larger than standard installations.
If
no signs of impact are evident, the resident will be provided information about
possible reasons for the problem. These may include inadequate construction or
materials, needed maintenance (including rotten posts) or other sources of
damage.
Tips
For Homeowners
In order to avoid problems with your mailbox during the winter season, residents
are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Make sure your mailbox conforms to
U.S.
postal standards. That means the bottom of the box is 48 inches above the
street, and the mailbox is mounted so the door, when closed, does not extend
beyond the edge of the road or the back of the concrete curb.
- In general, avoid installation of paper boxes, flower planters or
other attachments beneath the mailbox. If
you do install these items, be sure they are set back at least 10 inches
from the front of the mailbox. The county will not be responsible for damage
to these items.
- Inspect and maintain your mailbox, just as you would for other parts
of your property.
- Clear snow away from the mailbox area after each plowing. Snow that
remains in front of mailboxes will get compacted by post office vehicles and
make subsequent plowing less effective.
- Massive supports such as telephone poles, heavy metal posts,
concrete posts, bricks, antique farm equipment, or other similar items are
prohibited. Any mailbox support must
be designed so that if it is struck, it will bend or fall away from the
striking vehicle to prevent severe damage to the vehicle or injury to the
traveling public.
- Nothing should be attached to the mailbox, newspaper tube, or its
support.
- Use of a semi-arch or extended arm-type supports which allow
snowplows to sweep near or under mailboxes without damage is recommended.
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