USPS policy on interior mailbox installation
Hi everyone – I have misplaced the 2 page memo the USPS issued which dictates how high off the ground etc. an interior multi-door mailbox must be installed, where to place key keeper etc. I waited over an hour on line at the Times Plaza Post Office to get this document and can’t bear the…
Hi everyone – I have misplaced the 2 page memo the USPS issued which dictates how high off the ground etc. an interior multi-door mailbox must be installed, where to place key keeper etc. I waited over an hour on line at the Times Plaza Post Office to get this document and can’t bear the thought of having to do it all over again (kicking myself as I write). Anyone have this doc in their possession and willing scan or fax it over? Much appreciated. (Search on USPS was useless)
Bessie: The Post Office has a policy of “single point delivery.” That means they will deliver under the stoop, or they will deliver to your vestibule, but unless you’re on good terms with your carrier, you won’t get deliveries to both. If your carrier can’t access your vestibule because it is locked, then you need to install a keykeeper outside your building on the vestibule level and make the station AND the carrier aware that it’s there, and insist that they use it. Alternatively, give your carrier an option to throwing mail through the stoop gate by hanging a box on it. Lowe’s sells a decent large lock box that can be hung on a gate, and also sells recessed receptacles that can be installed in your vestibule wall. There are plenty of alternatives online. Here’s one source: http://www.mailboxixchange.com/
When I installed my three unit mailbox, the rules and regulations were in the box.
I just looked on the bommer website and it looks like the rules have changed since I installed my box in 2005.
Try these links:
https://www.bommer.com/ps/Default.asp?MyPage=Vertical%20Mailbox%20Units
https://www.bommer.com/ps/Default.asp?MyPage=Postal%20Specialties
Ask your carrier, ours was very helpful.
Bessie – don’t ever assume anything with the USPS, especially in Brooklyn. I suggest we team up and try and locate this form.
We’ve been trying to do this for our small co-op. It seems the post office doesn’t really want to sort mail for us and just wants to dump it through the under-stoop gate. My research led me to believe that local post offices had discretion for installations. I think the key hole placement for individual and master keyed slots needs to be within the range of 2′ – 4″ to 4′-0″ above finished floor. I’m assuming this would hold for the exterior key box as well.
Somewhere on the USPS site, there’s a list of approved or recommended manufacturers for wall-mounted receptacles. I’m pretty sure that each of these manufacturers either posts specs on their website and/or includes installation instructions with their box(es). Maybe this will help in the meantime, or give you enough code/page references to find something online:
U.S. Postal Service STD-4C compliant mailbox systems (for new construction and major reno). The new USPS 4C Standard includes the following specifications:
A new compartment form factor minimum size requirement of 12″w x 15″d x 3″h.
Eliminates the vertical form factor (5″w x 6″d x 15″h) design.
Introduces a parcel locker requirement based on a 1:10 parcel locker to customer compartment ratio.
Strengthens security requirements for the entire receptacle.
Standardizes and improves tenant compartment lock design.
Adds testing requirements to verify acceptability for either indoor or outdoor use.
Introduces quality management systems provisions.
Enhances design flexibility for concept, ergonomics, and materials.
Meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 171 / September 3, 2004 / Rules and Regulations POSTAL SERVICE, 39 CFR Part 111, Standards Governing the Design of Wall-Mounted Centralized Mail Receptacles. Installation/Layout Instructions Specified in USPS Standard 4C – pages 53821-53832 of the above referenced USPS 4C Standard “Notes†sections specify:
All 4C Units shall be designed such that they are in compliance with the following installation requirements:
1. At least one customer compartment shall be positioned less than 48 inches from the finished floor.
2. No parcel locker compartment (interior bottom shelf) shall be positioned less than 15 inches from the finished floor.
3. No patron (tenant) lock shall be located more than 67 inches above the finished floor.
4. No customer compartment (interior bottom shelf) shall be positioned less than 28 inches from the finished floor.
5. The USPS Arrow lock shall be located between 36 and 48 inches above the finished floor.
6. ADA Compliance — the USPS 4C Standard includes a requirement to meet Americans with Disabilities Act** (ADA) standards. (See pg. 53809)
Good luck. I thought I would help and search around–you’re right, there is nothing!