Mailbox Damage Policy

Mailbox Damage Policy

The Borough recognizes that sometimes mailboxes are damaged as a result of our efforts to keep the roads clear during storms. The following sets forth our policy and procedure for these situations. 

If you believe that your mailbox was damaged by a Borough plow blade, vehicle, and/or thrown snow coming off the plow, the homeowner must contact the Department of Public Works Roads Department at roads@oakland-nj.org or (201) 337-8111, ext. 3005. Please fill out the claim and release form, along with a photo of the damaged mailbox, and submit it via email or mail to the Department of Public Works, Attn: Roads Department, 63 Oak Street, Oakland, N.J. 07436 or to roads@oakland-nj.org. Once the claim is received by the Borough, an inspection will take place to verify the claim. Upon determination that the damage was caused by a Borough plow blade, vehicle, and/or thrown snow coming off the plow, the homeowner may be reimbursed in an amount not to exceed $100.00 upon submission of an itemized receipt for the cost of a new mailbox and/or post. Note that your mailbox must be installed in accordance with the United States Postal Service guidelines in order for your claim to be approved. Your claim must be submitted within 90 days of the loss. Failure to submit your claim in a timely manner will result in the denial of your claim. 

Please see below for USPS guidelines for installing mailboxes, proper height, and distance from the road. 

Forms: 

USPS Curbside Mailbox Installation Guidelines: 

Where to Place the Mailbox:

Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when placing your mailbox:

  • Position your mailbox 41″ to 45″ from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry.
  • Place your mailbox 6″ to 8″ back from the curb. If you do not have a raised curb, contact your local postmaster for guidance.
  • Put your house or apartment number on the mailbox.
  • If your mailbox is on a different street from your house or apartment, put your full street address on the box.
Installing the Mailbox Post:

The best mailbox supports are stable but bend or fall away if a car hits them. The Federal Highway Administration recommends:

  • A 4″ x 4″ wooden support or a 2″-diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe.
  • Avoid unyielding and potentially dangerous supports, like heavy metal pipes, concrete posts, and farm equipment (e.g., milk cans filled with concrete).
  • Bury your post no more than 24″ deep.

USPS Guidelines