Mailbox Placement Guidelines

Snowplow operators try very hard to avoid mailboxes when plowing streets. However, weak posts or support brackets, rusted mailbox components and improperly placed mailboxes could result in damage.

City Replacements

If your mailbox does not meet the placement guidelines (PDF) the city will not replace or reimburse for damage.

Mailbox Icon

If your mailbox meets placement guidelines and a plow driver hits your mailbox directly, the city will reimburse up to $100 (receipt needed), or will repair your post and/or box when the ground thaws in the spring.

If the post or mailbox is damaged due to the weight of snow being pushed and/or piled on it, the city will not replace or reimburse for damage.

Getting a Replacement

The best way to avoid the temporary loss of mail service is to ensure your mailbox meets required standards. Call 608-837-3050 if your mailbox has been damaged by a snowplow. No reimbursements or replacements will be issued without an inspection.

Sun Prairie Postmaster Specifications

Many of the newer boxes have a guideline on the post portion indicating the proper height. Preset guidelines should not be used when determining placement of the mailbox, as they may be incorrect due to different curb heights.

Mailbox Placement Diagram

Distance from Road

The distance from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox must be between 41 and 45 inches. The newer style plastic or rubber mailbox usually has a container for the newspaper under the mailbox. Use the bottom of the mailbox, not the newspaper portion as your reference point for measuring.

The distance from the face of the curb or road edge to the closest portion of the mailbox to the street shall be six to eight inches. Mailboxes that extend out over the curb may be hit by a snowplow. If the mailbox is set too far back the letter carrier will not be able to reach the mailbox.