New Mailbox Regulations Still Raise Some Concerns - 3/22/2004 - Attorney Lawyer Legal Building Codes Zoning

New Mailbox Regulations Still Raise Some Concerns

However, remaining concerned about a number of issues in the proposed final rule, NAHB has decided not to sign an agreement with the Postal Service that would prevent the association from commenting once the rule is published or taking other actions if the new requirements prove to be overly burdensome.

The Postal Service is expected to publish its proposed final rule within a few weeks.

One major concern is that the proposed final rule will require mailbox retrofitting in buildings that undergo “substantial renovation,” a term that has been only loosely defined. As currently proposed, local postmasters would have the authority to determine what constitutes a substantial renovation.

NAHB also disagrees with an expected mandate for the installation of parcel lockers, which could add significantly to construction costs, not only for the lockers themselves, but also for the additional walls and floor space that would be needed to accommodate them.

The Postal Service has indicated to NAHB that it will give local postmasters the discretion not to require parcel lockers if building owners provide alternative package handling strategies instead. Again, however, the authority to require parcel lockers would remain at the discretion of local postmasters.

NAHB also remains concerned over the possibly higher cost of the new mailboxes. Manufacturers have estimated cost increases of 15%-30% because of the more stringent manufacturing requirements that would be needed to comply with the rule, but have conceded that they won’t really know for sure until they start producing them. NAHB is worried that the actual cost could substantially exceed estimates.

Appreciating the challenges faced by the Post Office in providing efficient and secure mail service and not opposing the effort to improve that service, NAHB has said, however, that any new requirements to achieve that goal must be cost-effective and balanced with the challenges builders face in providing safe, affordable housing.

For more information, e-mail Jeff Inks or call him at 800-368-5242 x8547.