Rules for Moving a Mailbox | Legal Beagle

Rules for Moving a Mailbox

Rules for Moving a Mailbox
Written By
Mike Broemmel
Mike Broemmel
Nov 2, 2009
1 minute read

There are two sets of rules to comply with when moving a mailbox: guidelines of the U.S. Postal Service and most local governments. Although there are differences from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, there are common rules regarding moving a mailbox.

Postal Service Rules

The Postal Service permits moving a mailbox, but it must be placed in a location that is readily accessible by a mail carrier. For example, roadside mailboxes must in a location where mail carriers can place mail from their delivery vehicles.

Roads Without Curbs

A typical local rule requires a mailbox to be offset the entire width of a shoulder off the road with an addition of a specific number of inches.

Curbed Streets

On any street with a curb, a mailbox must be relocated a specified number of inches from the face of the curbside. The typical space is 10 inches or a bit less.

Resources

Before relocating a mailbox, you should call both the post office and city hall for the applicable rules before moving a mailbox.

Warning

Improperly relocating a mailbox can result in a postal patron's mail delivery being suspended.

Mike Broemmel

Mike Broemmel began writing in 1982. He is an author/lecturer with two novels on the market internationally, "The Shadow Cast" and "The Miller Moth." Broemmel served on the staff of the White House Office of Media Relations. He holds a…

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