My homeowners association has approved the installation of cluster style mailboxes to be installed in common areas of the association property. I want to know the guidelines that must be met in order to comply with the ADA.

— Margaret S – Miami, FL


ANSWER: According the USPS STD-4C no customer lock shall be positioned greater than 67”, no customer compartment shall be located less than 28” to the interior bottom shelf, no parcel locker shall be positioned less than 15” to the interior bottom shelf, and at least one customer compartment shall be positioned less than 48” from the finished floor. These requirements would fit within the ADA Standards requirements. No fewer than 5% of the mailboxes or one for each residential dwelling unit required to provide mobility features shall be provided such that the lock is no greater than 48” from the finished floor and the interior bottom shelf shall be no higher than 15” from the finished floor.