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Seaside Park council reviews draft to allow mailboxes in verge; resident warns of access issues
Summary
Council members discussed drafting an amendment to Chapter 405, Article 5 to permit standard residential mailboxes in the verge between curb and sidewalk, noting about 14 existing cases and concerns about vehicle egress and mail carriers' access; a resident, Edie of 848 111th Avenue, urged caution during public comment.
The Seaside Park Borough Council discussed a potential ordinance amendment on Sept. 18 to allow standard mailboxes in the verge — the strip between the curb and sidewalk — for residential properties. Council members said the change would be an amendment to Chapter 405, Article 5 of the borough code and that the committee has been working on language for the provision.
A speaker in the session estimated there are "approximately 14" existing verge mailboxes; council members and staff raised safety and operational concerns, including ensuring any mailbox placement does not impede vehicle egress from driveways or obstruct sight triangles at corners. A council member noted the plan would keep the current ordinance in place and add a specific provision for verge mailboxes rather than replace existing rules.
Council discussion touched on practical details: standard mailboxes on posts, placement off-center in the right-of-way so car doors are not blocked, and following U.S. Postal Service guidance on mailbox height (a speaker referenced a recommended range of about 38–46 inches). Council suggested sending draft language to the municipal administration (referred to in the discussion as "Steve's office") to develop formal ordinance text.
During public comment, Edie of 848 111th Avenue said on-street parking often leaves cars parked close to driveways and that placing mailboxes in the verge could prevent mail carriers from reaching the box from their trucks and make driveway egress more difficult. "...if the mailbox is next to the driveway, then the car is parked like here, the mailman's not going to be able to get to the mailbox from his truck," Edie said.
No formal vote or ordinance adoption occurred in the work session; council members directed staff to draft ordinance language for later consideration. The council adjourned the work session and moved to the regular meeting, where any formal ordinance introduction or vote would be scheduled.
Why it matters: changing curbside/mailbox rules affects daily routines for residents, public-safety sight lines and mail delivery operations.
