Mailbox Information

Mailbox Height DiagramSome tips on placement of mailboxes that will help to minimize the chance of damage:

  • Place reflective material on the side of the box visible to approaching traffic, also, 4 inch high letters to identify the address is recommended to assist emergency vehicles.
  • Mailbox post size must not exceed 4 by 4 inches for a wooden post or 2 inch diameter for a steel pipe post for roadside barrier safety. Posts that are more substantial in construction are considered "deadly fixed objects" and are not permitted within the Town Way.
  • For uncurbed roadways set the mailbox back at the far edge of the road shoulder to provide the maximum possible roadway clearance. For curbed roads the face of the mailbox should be 8 to 12 inches back from the curb face.
  • Mailboxes should be installed at least 42 inches high to provide clearance for the plow wing. We recommend the use of an extended arm type of post with a free-swinging suspended mailbox. This allows snowplows to sweep near or under boxes without damage to supports and provides easy access to the boxes by carrier and customers. View a printable plan of this type mailbox (PDF).

If Your Mailbox Is Damaged by Our Plowing Operations

All our plow operators are urged to take precautions to avoid hitting mailbox posts. However, experience has shown that during a storm it is not always possible for a driver to see a post in time to avoid striking it with the plow. Any mailbox installation within the highway right-of-way, including a mailbox, is placed there at the owner's risk.

Repairs/Reimbursement

In the event your mailbox is damaged by the Town plow we ask you to make any needed temporary repairs. If you are unable to make such repairs on your own please call Public Works at 207-725-6654 and we will attempt to repair or replace the mailbox as we deem appropriate and when time permits. For any mailbox damaged by town plowing we will attempt to make repairs to put the mailbox in working condition within 48 to 72 hours, even if the mailbox post has to be set in a bucket until the ground thaws. Substantially damaged property will be replaced in the Spring with a basic metal mailbox suspended by chains from a 4 by 4 inch wooden post. Newspaper boxes will not be repaired or reset by the Town in any event.

The Town will not replace or reimburse for custom made mailboxes, ornate posts or granite posts, etc, or existing mailboxes with rotted posts or in obvious poor existing condition. State of Maine law views mailboxes as an encroachment in the public way put there at the Owner's risk and municipalities are not legally liable for any damage or repairs to mailboxes due to plowing operations.