HCA DOOR SLOT MAIL RECEPTACLES: USPS GUIDELINES

As requested by Members interested in preserving the architectural integrity, appearance, and property values of Goodman Houses clusterwide, US Postal Service guidelines for through-door mailslots as published within USPS Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Section 508 Parts 2.1.3 and 2.1.6, are summarized as follows: 

-  The slot bottom must be at least 30 inches above the floor
-  The opening must be at least 1 1/2 x 7 inches
-  Horizontal slots must have a hinged top flap
-  Inside privacy hoods shouldn’t be below the bottom of the outside plate and should not project more than 2 1/16 inches beyond the inside of the door.

Current USPS policy is that mail delivery to all new building developments be centralized, most often using Cluster Box Units (CBUs).  In addition, the USPS Office of Inspector General recommended in 2011 that USPS reduce labor costs by eliminating all door-to-door delivery, or to offset related expenses by charging extra for this service.  However, the new development CBU policy does not apply to existing individual residences like Hickory Cluster that receive door-to-door delivery, the Federal Government has not yet decided to eliminate all door-to-door delivery, and customers nationwide are resisting many such proposed changes to USPS service.

USPS guidelines above are supplemented by more specific RA Design Guidelines for Cluster Housing Mailboxes and HCA General Resolution 15 for Goodman House Mail Receptacles.  Products that meet these USPS, RA, and HCA requirements, and that provide weather-resistant seals, are readily available and easily installed.