New Mailbox Policy Would Prevent Future “Monumental" Mailboxes

Lacking a formal policy on what types of mailboxes are allowed in treelawns in Avon Lake, is considering amending an ordinance that would limit the types of postal receptacles allowed in the right of way.

Mailboxes types and sizes has , after the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) advised the city it could lose approximately $1 million of federal funding if “monumental” mailboxes and other potentially hazardous objects, are not removed from the road’s right of way.

The ordinance, discussed by councilman Martin O’Donnell at a recent public service meeting, does not affect mailboxes already in place or those not on treelawns, but would prevent future right-of-way monumental mailboxes from being erected.

“This is for across the city,” Reitz said, adding that existing mailboxes not on state routes would be grandfathered in. “The situation where we get federal funds is another matter.

“This is more with stopping additional (large) mailboxes.”

Councilwoman Jennifer Fenderbosch noted that some monumental mailboxes, such as those in Brittania Estates, were built with the city’s approval. She said those residents paid $1,500 - $2,000 for those mailboxes that were approved by the city and residents attorneys are prepared to fight having the mailboxes removed if the city demands it. 

Reitz said those existing mailboxes would not be affected by either a new ordinance or ODOT’s request which is only specific to roads that receive federal and state funding for work.  

Council president Greg Zilka noted that the difference between Brittania and Lake Road is that Brittania is a 25 mph hour zone and has curbs which could affect the outcome of a vehicle collision. The majority of Lake Road is a 35 mph zones and ODOT is concerned over the damages sustained if a vehicle hit one of the mailboxes close to the road.

The proposed ordinance is specific in the types of mailboxes permitted on treelawns in the right of way.. The section states that mailbox posts shall conform to the standards established by the US Postal Service and are limited to 4-inch by 4-inch wood posts or 2-inch diameter steel pipes.  The ordinance also states the city does not require permit approval to install a conforming mailbox post.

“This is more with stopping additional mailboxes,” O’Donnell said.

Reitz said in March of 2008, his department counted homes on state routes that would need to be removed in order for the city to collect federal funds.

“There were 94 mailboxes, excluding other items (such as rocks and fencing).” Reitz said. ODOT said the items were a safety hazard and would need to be removed before the 2014 repaving of Lake Road.

Council is still required to pass the changes pertaining to the size and structure of mailboxes.