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Mailbox safety

Updated January 20, 2011

Mailbox information

The following Cerritos Municipal Code section is presented to better inform residents of the requirements and specifications regarding mailboxes.

Cerritos Municipal Code Section 22.22.700

(26)Mail Boxes.

(a)Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following definitions shall apply: (i)A “wall-mounted mail box” is a mail box located on the facade of a residence. (ii)A “freestanding mail box” is a mail box located in the public right-of-way for which the maintenance of the mail box is the responsibility of the property owner. (iii)A “paired freestanding mail box” consists of two mail boxes located in the public right-of-way that are joined together by either a metal or wood structure. Each mail box is assigned to one property address or residence for which the maintenance of the mail box is the responsibility of the respective property owner.
(iv)A “residence” is a home, abode or place where an individual is actually living at a specific point in time.

(b)Requirements for Wall-Mounted Mail Boxes.
(i)Wall-mounted mail boxes shall be constructed of a rust-resistant material and shall include a locking device.
(ii)All wall-mounted mail boxes shall be compatible with the color, style, material and usage of the residence and residences located in the immediate neighborhood.

(c)Requirements for Freestanding Mail Boxes.
(i)Freestanding mail boxes shall be constructed of a rust-resistant material and shall include a locking device.
(ii)Freestanding mail boxes shall be a maximum of forty-eight inches in height as measured from the top of the mail box to the finish grade, but shall not be less than twenty-five inches in height as measured from the bottom of the mail box to the finish grade.
(iii)Freestanding mail boxes shall be supported by either a metal or wood post painted to match or compliment the color of the mail box.
(iv)The base of the metal or wood post or area measuring four inches above the finish grade shall be constructed of concrete or protected by a wear-resistant material.
(v)All freestanding mail boxes shall be compatible with the color, style, material and usage of the residence and residences located in the immediate neighborhood and shall be subject to the approval of the director of community development.

(d)Requirements for Paired Freestanding Mail Boxes.
(i)Paired freestanding mail boxes shall be constructed of a rust-resistant material and shall include a locking device.
(ii)Paired freestanding mail boxes shall be a maximum of forty-eight inches in height as measured from the top of the mail box to the finish grade, but shall not be less than twenty-five inches in height as measured from the bottom of the mail box to the finish grade.
(iii)Paired freestanding mail boxes shall be supported by either a metal or wood structure painted to match or compliment the color of the mail box.
(iv)The base of the metal or wood post or area measuring four inches above the finish grade shall be constructed of concrete or protected by a resistant material.
(v)All paired freestanding mail boxes shall be consistent in color, style, material and usage and compatible with each residence and residences located in the immediate neighborhood and shall be subject to the approval of the director of community development;

Mailbox safety tips

There are some tips residents should be aware of to minimize exposure to mail thieves.

  • Use the letter slots at your post office to mail letters, or give them to a letter carrier.
  • Deposit mail in blue collection boxes before the last pick up time that appears on the schedule posted on each box.
  • Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you're expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items. If you won't be home when the items are expected, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight.
  • Don’t send cash in the mail.
  • Ask your bank for “secure” checks that can’t be altered.
  • If you will be away from home for more than three days, ask the Post Office to hold your mail until you return. You can initiate a mail hold at the Post Office or online at USPS.com.

If you believe your mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local postmaster or a Postal Inspector. Postal Inspectors may determine whether your problem is isolated or part of a larger mail theft problem in your neighborhood—and it may help them locate and apprehend the thieves.

You can file a mail theft report with the Postal Inspectors by calling toll-free (877) 876-2455 or complete the report online on the United States Postal Inspection Service website.

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