[Josephjmarchese]

ADA Compliance

For interior mailrooms, the ADA specifies that at least 5% of the mailboxes must meet accessibility guidelines.

Local regulations may override this percentage and require 100% compliance.

Typically, it is the local jurisdiction codes office/inspector that will designate if an installation must meet only the min ADA requirement of 5% or if it should be 100% compliant; there is usually very little in between.

Current practice is to use sequential numbering on the mailboxes, rather than matching identification to the apartment numbers. This allows greater flexibility in providing accessible mailbox compartments that meet the necessary accessibility regulations. Sequential numbering also provides greater privacy and security for residents by not tying the mailbox to a specific apartment or house number. Another option to ensure 5% of your mailbox installation is compliant is to install an additional set of mailboxes which fully meet compliance and would only be available for designated mobility units within the community.

Mailboxes must comply with Section 309 specifications governing a location’s clear floor space, equipment height, and operation. ADA sets forth a forward reach range that is between 15 and 48 inches, which is lower than the 67” the USPS specifications allows. ADA also sets forth the same range for side reach ranges; which is again lower than the USPS specifications allow.