Damaged Mailbox

Introduction

This policy outlines the procedures and expectations for addressing instances where mailboxes may be damaged by vehicles owned or operated by the Town. This policy aims to ensure equitable treatment of the public in the repair or replacement of mailboxes. The Highway Division takes considerable precautions to avoid damage to mailboxes. However, our primary mission is to clear the streets of snow and ice to make them safe for vehicular traffic. The Post Office requires mailboxes to be set a minimum distance from the edge of the road, which is less than the overhang of most snowplows.

Mailboxes get damaged primarily by the weight of snow and ice thrown from the snowplows. The Highway Division investigates every complaint that is received regarding mailbox or any other property damage. However, we only replace the mailbox or post when we find the driver negligent in his operation. 

The Town will not be responsible for mailboxes, plantings, fences or any other property placed within the Town layout/Right of Way damaged in snow removal operations.

If a mailbox and post was struck due to negligence of the driver and not by force of the snow, then the Town will replace the damaged mailboxes only with the basic post and metal box and any other extraordinary damages will not be paid. 

Ownership of mailboxes and their support(s) rests with the individual mail route patrons. The Town does not provide formal permits for mailbox placement within the roadway right-of-way, and such placement is undertaken at the owner’s risk.

General Policy and Responsibilities

• If the Town makes physical contact with a mailbox with a snowplow or vehicle, the Town will replace or repair the mailbox.
• If the mailbox is broken from the weight of snow, ice, or slush, or if the mailbox is damaged by snow being discharged by the snowplow, without the plow coming in direct contact with the mailbox or post, the Town will not be responsible for replacement or repair.
• The Town does not replace plastic mailboxes as plastic mailboxes may become brittle in cold weather and, thus, are not suitable for the New England climate.
• The Town does not replace mailboxes that need repair due to lack of maintenance or prior vandalism, including mailboxes that have rotten posts or spike-type supports.
• Mailboxes that extend past the curb line and/or whose posts are not at least 12 inches back from the curb line will not be replaced. Residents should refer to the USPS website (www.usps.com) for information on the proper placement of mailboxes.
• Replacement of mailboxes is not in-kind, but a standard mailbox (valued at $30) and pressure-treated post (valued at $30) is provided. For residents with more expensive mailboxes, replacement will be either through a formal adjustment with the Town’s insurer (in the case of direct contact only) or the Town will pay a total of $60 toward a repair or replacement.
• All reports of damaged mailboxes should be reported to the Town’s Department of Public Works (DPW) within 10 days, in writing, of the damage. Any mailbox to be repaired will be placed on a list maintained by the DPW and will be repaired once the DPW is back on a regular schedule and all weather-related priorities are completed.
• Residents may decline installation of the replacement mailbox and/or post and request the Town issue a check in the amount described above. In doing so the affected resident releases the Town of all claims pertinent to this incident.
• All determinations regarding this policy will be made by the DPW Director.