New Multifamily Mailbox Rules Delivered
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) recently published its final rule revising the design, manufacture and installation requirements governing wall-mounted mailboxes, outgoing mail receptacles and parcel lockers for multifamily buildings. 

Among the new requirements:

• Individual tenant mailboxes must have a minimum interior dimension of 3”h x 12”w x 15”d and must be oriented horizontally.
• Parcel lockers will be required if no other means of parcel receiving is planned (such as a management office or concierge service). If no alternative is planned, a minimum of one “Standard” parcel locker with minimum interior dimensions of 15”h x 12” w x 15”d will be required for every 10 dwelling units in a building.
• Mailboxes must meet more stringent manufacturing requirements to improve tamper and weather resistance.
• There are no mandatory retrofit requirements when mailbox units in existing buildings are replaced, unless the building undergoes a substantial renovation that involves structural alterations in the mailbox area that creates an opportunity to accommodate the new design.
• Requirements for manufacturers became effective October 4, 2004.  However, the new mailbox units are not required to be installed in any new construction for which permit documents are submitted to the local jurisdiction prior to September 3, 2006.
• Manufacturers have estimated that costs for the mailbox units as a result of the more stringent requirements will rise by 15%-30%. However, builders also will incur additional costs for parcel lockers in projects where they will be required, and the additional space required for parcel lockers could present additional design challenges.

Although NAHB expressed concerns about this rule — specifically, the fact that there had been no cost-benefit analysis done, and that local postmasters have the final say in determining which buildings need parcel lockers — the Postal Service went ahead with all the provisions it had proposed. For more information, e-mail Jeff Inks or call him at 800-368-5242 x8547. [ return to top ]