Mailbox Guidelines During Winter Months

 
The Department of Public Works is asking residents to assist us in preventing damage to your mailboxes during the upcoming winter plowing season and avoid unnecessary mail interruption. Occasionally coming into contact with a mailbox is a common obstacle snowplow operators face during storm activities. Richton Park employees are conscientious in performing their duties, though there are occasions in which a snow plow will damage a mailbox that is too low and/or too close to the curb line. Setting your mailbox to the height regulations and far enough back on the curb will minimize or eliminate any possible damage from snow removal operations.

A properly installed mailbox should not extend past the curb line and be 41 inches from the lowest point of the unit to the ground. Adding a newspaper box to the bottom or side of your mailbox increases the surface area of the mailbox. No part of the mailbox can extend past the back of the curb.

It should be remembered that weather, frost and age will affect the placement of a mailbox and annual maintenance by the resident is recommended. If the mailbox extends past the back of the curb and is damaged by a city plow the village accepts no liability for damage.

These notices are being delivered to those whose mailbox does not conform to the standards, regardless of the degree of nonconformity. The Department of Public Works thanks you for your cooperation. For questions please call the Building Department or the Department of Public Works at 708-481-8950.

Curbside Mailboxes

Standards for Proper Installation (Typical Mailbox)

• Mailboxes must be mounted so that the front of the box and any portion of the supporting structure is 6"-8" from back of the curb.
• All wood material used for posts must be treated with a preservative to prevent rotting.
• All posts used to support mailboxes must be set in concrete 24" deep.
• The height of the mailbox must be between 36" to 42" from the top of the street to the bottom of the mailbox.
• House numbers are required on all mailboxes. Minimum letter height: 1 inch.
• Call J.U.L.I.E. (Joint Utilities Locating Information for Excavators) at least 48 hours prior to digging. 1-800-892-0123

Masonry Mailboxes

Requirements for a masonry mailbox:

• Complete Village of Richton Park permit application and waiver of liability.
• $50 Masonry Mailbox Permit fee
• Contractor(s) shall be licensed with the Village of Richton Park before issuance of building permit.
• Call J.U.L.I.E. (Joint Utilities Locating Information for Excavators) at least 48 hours prior to digging. 1-800-892-0123

Specifications:

• Masonry mailboxes shall not be more than 2 foot square in area (24"x24") nor more than 5 feet in height.
• The front edge of the masonry structure set 8-10 inches back from the rear edge of the curb.
• Postal regulations require the mailbox itself installed between 6-8 inches from the rear edge of the curb.
• Keep a minimum two foot clearance from a buffalo box valve head.
• A 42" concrete footing depth is required.
• The structure may not be cantilevered more than 6 inches from the perpendicular plane of the structure.

Inspections:

• Foot Inspection- prior to the concrete pour
• Foot Inspection- after the concrete pour of the in-place footing.
• Final Inspection- after completion of the masonry mailbox