Mailbox Replacement Policy

During snowplowing operations, City of Bangor plows may damage or destroy privately owned mailboxes located in the street right of way. While there is no legal requirement for the City to replace these boxes, and the State of Maine and many municipalities do not, it has been the long-standing practice of the City to do so. In recent years, property owners have begun to install more expensive designer mailboxes and have asked the City to install similar replacement mailboxes at a higher cost. In addition, the use of plastic mailboxes that are more easily damaged has increased. The purpose of this policy is to outline the circumstances under which the City will replace private mailboxes or reimburse owners who wish to purchase more expensive replacements than the City will provide.

Eligibility for Reimbursement

In order to be eligible for replacement or reimbursement, the following conditions must be met:

2.1 The damaged mailbox and/or post must meet the requirements of the United States Postal Service in regard to construction and location.

2.2 The damage must have been caused by direct contact with City equipment.The City will not repair or replace mailboxes or posts damaged solely by snow thrown by City plowing or removal equipment.

2.3 The property owner must notify the City within seven days of the date the damage occurred, unless the property owner/tenant/or individual responsible for the property was out of town at the time of occurrence.If the responsible party was out of town, the damage must be reported to the City within seven days of that individuals return.

Policy

In the event that a mailbox and/or its support post is damaged or destroyed by City equipment engaged in snow plowing or snow removal operations, the City will offer the owner of the property the choice of one of the following options:

3.1 The City will furnish and install a standard replacement post and/or mailbox

3.2 The City will reimburse the owner in an amount equal to the cost of the standard post and/or mailbox offered by the City.

Public Works Responsibilities

4.1 The Director of Public Works shall annually establish the dollar amount of reimbursement to be provided in accordance with section 2.2 above.This amount shall be based on the actual cost to the City of a standard post and/or mailbox.

4.2 The Public Works Department shall install a new box and/or post for those residents requesting this option.Where this work cannot be performed within seven days for any reason, including frozen ground, the Department shall either make temporary repairs or provide a temporary mailbox installation sufficient to allow the postal service to resume mail delivery.

4.3The Department shall periodically review this policy and, when necessary, recommend changes or revisions to it to the City Manager and City Council.

Reimbursement amount is currently $50.00