Overview 

The safety of the general public and private property is the Operations Division's greatest priority during snow and ice removal operations.  In the event that a plow damages your property, please refer to the information below.

Mailbox Damage

Occasionally, snow plowing can result in damage to mailboxes. A few things can be done to minimize the chance that your mailbox is damaged this winter season.

1. Make sure your mailbox is installed according to federal and state guidelines. The front of the mailbox must be 6 - 9 inches behind the curb and the bottom of the mailbox must be 42 - 48 inches from the ground.
2. Ensure that the post of your mailbox is securely in place in the ground and that it is free of rot, rust, or corrosion.

This photo depicts an improper mailbox installation. The mailbox extends out over the curb, increasing the chances that it will be damaged by snow removal operations.

In the event your mailbox is damaged, the City will repair the damage or replace the mailbox according to federal guidelines. A standard mailbox design is used for replacements, including replacement of decorative mailboxes. Property owners who install decorative mailboxes or materials in the public right-of-way do so at their own risk.

To receive replacement of or reimbursement for a mailbox damaged due to snow plowing operations, the following criteria must be met:

1. Damage must be reported within 30 days of occurrence.
2. Reimbursement receipts or replacement requests must be submitted by July 1. 
3. City staff must inspect and verify damages at your property. If damages are not verified by City staff, reimbursement or replacement will not be considered.  Photos of damage are not acceptable.
4. The City will not be responsible for damage to mailboxes which do not meet the installation criteria described above.

To report a damaged mailbox, please call the City Services Center at (608) 755-3110 or fill out an online Mailbox Damage Report.

Curb or Terrace Damage

During snow removal events, dump trucks are outfitted with a standard straight-edged, front-mounted plow, as well as a side-mounted "wing" plow.  The use of the wing plow allows a single operator and truck to remove greater quantities of snow and complete removal projects more efficiently.  On occasion, wing plows may "hop" up onto the terrace or curb, resulting in damage.

Damage to the curb or terrace resulting from plowing operations will be repaired by Operations Division crews in the spring or summer months, if the following criteria are met:

1. Damage must be reported by May 31. 
2. City staff must inspect and verify that damages at your property are due to snow plowing operations. 

Contact Us

Curb or terrace damage can be reported online by submitting an Online Service Request or by calling the City Services Center at (608) 755-3110.

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