March 15, 2004—In 2003, the USPS convened mailbox manufacturers, distributors, associations representing magazine publishers and mass mailers, and residential and commercial property representatives to discuss revisions to the standard on wall mounted centralized mail receptacles. BOMA International, National Association of Home Builders, National Multi Housing Council, and National Association of Realtors represented the real estate community.
The group met several times over the year to negotiate the rulemaking, and an agreement has now been reached. The proposed standard will be printed in the Federal Register by late March, followed by a 30-day comment period.
BOMA was able to make several changes to the proposal to make the new standard less onerous for users. The Committee agreed to exempt existing buildings from the new standard. The new rules will only apply to buildings undergoing substantial renovation of the mailroom area and new construction. Also, BOMA was able to point out that parcel delivery was not a problem in most office buildings, since many buildings utilize boxes that already exceed the proposed minimum standard and tenants are generally available to accept parcel delivery during normal mail delivery hours (unlike residential customers).
Consequently, the USPS agreed that exemptions to the parcel locker requirement may be considered for buildings which use boxes that exceed the new minimum requirement as well as buildings that have an alternate delivery mechanism in place (i.e., concierge or security desk willing to accept packages on behalf of tenants). The compliance deadline is two years after the standard is final and is tied to the permitting process; buildings, which apply for permits within two years, do not need to use the new standard.
Key requirements of the proposed rule include:
- Proposed form factor: 3″H x 12″W x 15″D (former standard = 5″H x 6″W x 15″D horizontal or 5″W x 6″D x 15″H vertical).
- Parcel lockers: 1:10 ratio (integral or stand alone); no requirement for buildings with less than 10 tenant boxes. Exemptions considered for buildings that use boxes that exceed the new minimum requirement as well as buildings that have an alternate delivery mechanism in place (i.e., concierge or security desk willing to accept packages on behalf of tenants).
- Increased security requirements for boxes.
For more information, contact Karen Penafiel at 202/326-6323.
