This policy establishes guidelines regarding damage to a mailbox resulting from Orange Township’s winter-time roadway snow removal operations.

Mailbox & Post Condition

Orange Township suggests owners annually do a general inspection of mailbox location and quality of construction. Orange Township will not be responsible for any repair or replacement of mailboxes that fail to meet the following requirements:

  1. The mailbox is located a minimum of 6" from face of curb or edge of pavement to face of mailbox.
  2. The mailbox is able to withstand the weight of snow removal including, but not limited to, having the following characteristics:
  • No rotten wood or rusted metal
  • No loose or missing hinges, bolts or screws
  • Sturdy and stable post and mail box

Request Procedure

  1. Obtain a wintertime Mailbox Repair or Replacement Request Form. Once the form has been submitted, a representative of the Public Works Department will inspect the mailbox for compliance with the above stated requirements. If possible, a temporary repair may be made so that mail can be received.
  2. The Public Works Manager will review the inspection results and determine whether the mailbox complied with the above stated requirements and whether the facts clearly indicate that the damage was the result of Orange Township’s wintertime roadway snow removal operations. They or their designee will then contact the property owner and inform them of the review’s findings and any plan of action.
  3. If the property owner wishes to appeal the decision of the Public Works Manager, they shall submit a written appeal to the Township Administrator. The Township Administrator will use the review standards stated above, apply them to the results of the inspection and the facts and uphold or overturn the decision of the Public Works Manager. The decision of the Township Administrator shall be final.
Plans of Action

If the Roads Superintendent determines the mailbox met the above requirements and that the facts clearly indicate the damage was the result of the Township’s operations, but not involving direct contact with a Township vehicle that was reported as an accident, the mailbox will be repaired or replaced by the Township, provided that the estimated cost of the same does not exceed $150.00 per mailbox. If the estimated cost of repair or replacement exceeds that amount, the Roads Superintendent will offer the property owner a Township contribution of $150.00 to be used for such purposes.

If the Roads Superintendent determines the mailbox met the above requirements and that the facts clearly indicate the damage was the result of the Township’s operations involving direct contact with a Township vehicle that was reported as an accident, the mailbox will be repaired or replaced by the Township, or the matter referred to the Township’s insurance company for resolution.

If the Roads Superintendent determines the mailbox did not meet the above requirements and/or that the facts do not clearly indicate the damage was the result of the Township’s operations, no further action will be taken and the repair/replacement shall be the responsibility of the property owner(s).