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Mailbox Damage Policy
This policy complies with Chapter 201 of the Stafford Township Code entitled "Mailbox Damage, Reimbursement."
It shall be the policy of the Stafford Township Department of Public Works that if any mailbox or post, is damaged as the result of snow removal operations, the responsibility for making repairs shall be borne by the property owner. The Department of Public Works will not be responsible for mailbox damage from snow being discharged from snow removal equipment.
When a mailbox or post is damaged by direct contact from our snow removal equipment, the following will occur.
It shall be the policy of the Stafford Township Department of Public Works that if any mailbox or post, is damaged as the result of snow removal operations, the responsibility for making repairs shall be borne by the property owner. The Department of Public Works will not be responsible for mailbox damage from snow being discharged from snow removal equipment.
When a mailbox or post is damaged by direct contact from our snow removal equipment, the following will occur.
- Inspection of mailbox and post to determine cause of damage.
- Inspector will determine who is at fault (improper installation of mailbox, or plow operator error).
- Following investigation, If it is determined the mailbox was damaged by the plow blade or vehicle, the resident will be reimbursed in an amount not to exceed $50 for a new mailbox and/or post. If it is determined that the damage was not caused by the plow blade or vehicle, no reimbursement will be given. All actual repairs and/or replacements shall be the responsibility of the resident.
- Damaged mailbox must meet the requirements of the U.S. Postal Service in regard to location and construction for reimbursement.
Instructions for Mailbox Placement
- Front of mailbox must be 6 inches minimum 9 inches maximum from curb line or edge of roadway.
- Bottom of mailbox must be 40 to 44 inches above roadway elevation.
- Post should be constructed of pressure treated wood, 4 inch by 4 inch minimum post size.
- Use No. 8 Weather resistant screws for installation
- Proper installation and maintenance of your mailbox and post will help to prevent damage during snow removal operations.
It is very uncommon that a mailbox is directly contacted with snow removal equipment. The average number of mailboxes that receive direct contact from snow removal equipment during a snow storm is less than 1 percent. Non contact mailbox knockdowns may average more then one hundred or more during a major snow storm.