Cul-de-sac Street Parking issues-need help (Raleigh, Durham: HOA, house, contractor)

[pumpkin]

I live on a cul-de-sac and my neighbors constantly park in front of my house and mailbox. The mailman has refused to deliver our mail when they are parked out there. We just moved here, and have already had to speak to them about thier kids digging holes in our front yard, so we are reluctant to complain about this to them, and the mailman won't say anything to them either--we just never know when we will get our mail. It's frustrating because I work from home, and my paychecks are mailed out to me, so I never can be sure when I will get paid, and sometimes my checks are returned! Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do? I can't find any info on the laws regarding Durham residential street parking, are people allowed to park anywhere they want in the street, even if they are blocking someone's mailbox? Please Help!!!!!

[mm34b]

Who owns the street, the City of Durham or a private entity?

[pumpkin]

Thats what I'm having trouble finding out.

[cary_nc]

Here is the link to Durham's Municipal Code on Parking. However, I think you will find there is no specific mention of mailboxes. A brief Internet search of the legality of parking in front of mailboxes did not yield anything--which makes me think there is nothing illegal about parking in front of one. It does seem, though, as if the USPS has no obligation to deliver if the mailbox is blocked. You may wish to contact the City of Durham's on street parking contractor, Central Parking at 680-2481 or the General Services Division at 560-4197 for further information.

If I were you, I'd place a nice note in your neighbor's mailbox asking them to not park in front of your mailbox as the mail (and particularly) your paychecks cannot be delivered. If that doesn't work, I shudder to think about what kinds of neighbors you have. Good luck.

[KellyCrash]

I find it a bit ridicolous that the post man can't get out of his truck to place mail in your box first off. I would call your local post office & talk to the postmaster about it & see what he/she have to say about it.

I would also call the non emergency # at your local police station and ask to speak to someone about your issue. I'm sure they'll be able to give you some advice & tell you whether the street is public or private.

Good luck! I would be steaming mad if I was in your shoes. I hope you figure out a solution.

Worst case, get yourself a PO Box.

[lamishra]

People are not supposed to block mailboxes. We inadvertently did this a few times (in front of our own mailbox and not someone elses) in Raleigh, and after a few times, we received a pre-printed notice from the post office about not blocking access to mailboxes. Some people don't even realize that mailboxes actually belong to the USPS, not the homeowner, even though the homeowner is resposible for maintaining it (you can actually claim a new mailbox on you rtaxes!)

You could speak with your mailman, too. Getting on his/her good side helps a lot .
Actually, I think you probably need to go ahead and say something to the neighbors. I'm sur eyou can do it in a polite way that won't ruffle any feathers!

[lamishra]

I don't knowif you aware (as I was not as well) but mail people are actually required to deliver their mail in a certain amount of time each day, and that amount if time is determined by the PO for that specific route. If they have to get out of their vehicle for every other house because cars are parked in front it, thereby taking them twice as long to deliver the mail, they don't get paid for the extra time.

From the USPS website:
3.1.4 Clear Approach
Customers must keep the approach to their mailboxes clear of obstructions to allow safe access for delivery. If USPS employees are impeded in reaching a mail receptacle, the postmaster may withdraw delivery service.

[tluv00]

They are your neighbors and they are going to be next to you for a while so you need to set the precedence right now and make sure they know what is going on. The kids digging in the yard is separate from an adult parking in front of your mailbox and blocking your driveway. There is no other way to say it but buck up and go next door and explain to them that the USPS has told you that the cars blocking the mailbox are impeding you from getting your mail, your paycheck and your sanity. The kids are one thing but obviously you see where they get it from.

[pumpkin]

thank you all for your responses.. and Cary_NC thanks for those numbers. The crazy thing is, it dosen't "look" like the cars are blocking the mailbox, but the mailman said they are within a certain number of feet from it so whatever. It just stinks because they always have overnight guests over (like now) that take over the entire court, so I don't even know where they would move the cars to....I'm not holding my breath for any mail tomorrow. Thanks again everyone!

[coltank]

Do you have an HOA that could address this issue for you?