Property owners are reminded that mailboxes and objects placed in road rights-of-way must comply with local and state standards.  Personalized mailboxes and objects such as large boulders placed near the road may enhance the property appearance, but they become liabilities if injury or death results from an accident.  Some objects 6” or more above grade may be a hazard in a road run-off incident.

Regulations for a rural mailbox are based on the current Ohio Department of Transportation design standards.  All supports for rural mailboxes shall be of the breakaway type.  Standard supports are a 4” x 4” timber post, a 4-1/2” round timber post, or a maximum 2” I.D. standard strength steel pipe (2-3/8” O.D.).  The leading edge of the mailbox itself shall be 2-1/2’ minimum from the edge of the pavement.  Mailbox posts shall not be encased in concrete.

There is a 60 foot right-of-way for road maintenance purposes on most roads.  This is a 30 foot measurement in each direction from the road center line.  Trees, shrubs, or flowers should not be planted in this area.  Landscaping timbers, boulders, fences, etc. as noted above may also constitute a road hazard.