(A) Definitions. Words or phrases not expressly prescribed herein are to be defined in accordance with their customary usage as it relates to this specific application.
BREAKAWAY SUPPORT. A supporting post that yields or breaks away safely if struck by a vehicle. Such supporting post shall consist of a maximum nominal four-inch by four-inch square or four-inch-diameter wood post or one-and-a-half-inch to two-inch-diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe post, which is buried no more than 24 inches deep with or without the use of concrete. Wood, steel or aluminum pipe posts exceeding the aforementioned size and installation depth requirements are permitted up to a maximum six-inch nominal dimension when specifically designed as a breakaway support system in accordance with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines.
CLUSTER-STYLE MAILBOX ASSEMBLY. A style whereby mailboxes, meeting the specifications of the United States Postal Service (USPS), are assembled and grouped together on a single area of land so they are regarded as one unit. The use of cluster-style mailboxes must be reviewed and approved by both the city and the USPS.
CUSTOM-BUILT MAILBOX ASSEMBLY. An assembly constructed using materials that do not meet the definition of a STANDARD MAILBOX and BREAKAWAY SUPPORT (e.g., brick, stone or other masonry type materials and/or heavy gauge steel or other substantial materials) which is erected near the edge of the roadway or curbside of a street and is intended or used for the collection of mail and is to be served by a mail carrier from a vehicle.
DAMAGED MAILBOX ASSEMBLY. Damage of any origin sustained whereby over 50% of the mailbox assembly has been affected.
STANDARD MAILBOX ASSEMBLY. An assembly consisting of lightweight sheet metal or plastic mailbox meeting the specifications of the USPS, which is located near the edge of the roadway or curbside of a street and is mounted on an approved breakaway support post, and is intended or used for the collection of mail and is to be served by a mail carrier from a vehicle. Standard mailbox assembly includes decorative/architectural style boxes and posts that meet USPS specifications. Multiple standard mailbox assembly installations must meet the same criteria as a single standard mailbox assembly installation.
(B) Placement of mailbox assemblies.
(1) No new or replacement mailbox assembly will be allowed to be installed within the city's rights-of-way if its placement interferes with the safety of the traveling public or the function, maintenance, or operation of the city's roadway or utility systems. Any new or replacement mailbox assembly installation that does not conform to the provisions of these requirements is an unauthorized encroachment and is subject to removal as specified in this section.
(2) The location and construction of mailbox assemblies shall adhere to the rules and requirements of the USPS, as well as to city requirements. In the event that there is a conflict between USPS and city requirements, the more stringent requirements shall apply.
(3) Standard mailboxes mounted on an approved breakaway support post are permitted within public rights-of-way along all city maintained roadways. The face of the mailbox assembly shall be set a minimum of 18 inches from the edge of pavement or between six and eight inches from the face of curb. The post-to-box attachment shall be of sufficient strength to prevent the box from separating from the post under vehicle impacts. Lightweight sheet metal or plastic newspaper boxes may be mounted below the mailbox on the support. Refer to Figure 1 attached to Ordinance 2022-02 for a general detail of this type of placement.
(4) Custom-built mailbox assemblies are only permitted along local and minor collector classified roadways. The face of these types of mailbox assemblies shall be set a minimum of 18 inches from the edge of pavement or between eight and 12 inches from the face of curb. Custom-built mailboxes shall not be larger than two feet wide by two feet deep and five feet high. Additionally, these types of structures shall not be permanently attached to any type of concrete pad or foundation. Refer to Figure 2 attached to Ordinance 2022-02 for a general detail of this type of placement.
(5) Mailboxes made of heavy gauge steel or other substantial materials that are designed and sold as deterrents to vandalism and that meet USPS requirements shall adhere to the same requirements as custom-built mailboxes.
(6) All mailbox assemblies must be placed in a manner that does not interfere with visibility from intersections, driveways, side streets, alleys or other access points.
(7) Mailbox assemblies must not interfere with pedestrian traffic and shall not encroach into sidewalks or other accessible routes without providing a minimum of five feet of clear, unobstructed and accessible space from all points around the assembly.
(8) For individual-type mailbox assemblies, the property owner shall be responsible for the erection, maintenance, repair, replacement or removal of the roadside mailbox assembly serving their individual place of dwelling or business.
(9) Mailbox assemblies located within public rights-of-way along state maintained roadways shall adhere to the requirements of the Texas Department of Transportation or their successor agency.
(C) Permit.
(1) A permit must be obtained from the city before a new mailbox assembly is installed within city rights-of-way. If the mailbox assembly is being installed in association with a new residence or business that has a valid building permit, the mailbox assembly will be inspected along with the building construction.
(2) A copy of the mailbox assembly permit application form is attached to Ordinance 2022-02 as Exhibit B. This form may be revised or updated from time-to-time as needed without having to amend these requirements.
(D) Relocation and replacement.
(1) The city reserves the right to remove, relocate or cause to be relocated and/or replace any existing mailbox assembly located within public right-of-way that interferes with the safety of the traveling public or the function, maintenance, or operation of the city's roadway or utility systems or that interferes with pedestrian traffic, including the removal and replacement of custom-built mailbox assemblies with standard mailbox assemblies.
(2) Any type of mailbox assembly located in city right-of-way is subject to damage or destruction at any time. The city shall not assume any liability for damaged or destroyed mailbox assemblies of any type installed within city rights-of-way.
(E) Removal of nonconforming or unsafe mailbox assemblies.
(1) Any new mailbox assembly that is found to violate the provisions of these requirements shall be removed by the property owner upon notification by the city. The city will provide the property owner with a written notice of violation, after which time, based on an assessment of hazard to the public, the property owner will be granted not less than 24 hours nor more than 30 calendar days to remove the mailbox assembly. Upon expiration of the specified removal period, the mailbox assembly will be removed by the city at the property owner's expense.
(2) Unless the placement or location of an existing mailbox assembly that does not meet these requirements interferes with the safety of the traveling public or the function, maintenance, or operation of the city's roadway or utility systems or interferes with pedestrian traffic as detailed within this section, the mailbox assembly will be permitted to remain.
(Ord. 2022-02, passed 4-21-2022)