Smart Planning for CBU Placement

When installing Cluster Box Units (CBUs) in a community, placement isn’t just about following USPS regulations—it’s about smart integration with your existing landscape, walkways, hardscaping, and the overall visual harmony of your neighborhood. A poorly placed CBU can obstruct pedestrian flow, hinder ADA compliance, and detract from curb appeal. A well-placed one? It blends in, adds utility, and even enhances aesthetics.

Cluster Box Unit (CBU): a USPS-approved, centralized mail delivery system used in neighborhoods, apartments, and HOAs. Designed for multiple tenants, CBUs include individual locked compartments and an outgoing mail slot.

Think Beyond the Pad: Design with the Environment in Mind

Start your planning with a holistic site review. Look at more than just the concrete pad—consider natural slopes, tree roots, sprinkler lines, sidewalks, and vehicular sight lines. Your goal is to install CBUs in a way that complements rather than competes with the landscape.

Q: Does the USPS dictate where CBUs must be placed?
A: While USPS guidelines do set height, clearance, and access standards, actual placement within a property is a collaborative decision between the HOA, installer, and local postmaster.

Walkability + Safety = Ideal Placement

CBUs should be easily accessible from walking paths or sidewalks—ideally no more than a few feet from a paved surface. Avoid grassy embankments or gravel pull-offs, which can become muddy or inaccessible in bad weather.

Hardscaping: the non-living elements of landscaping, like sidewalks, stone walls, pavers, and curbing—elements you must work around when placing CBUs.

It’s also crucial to consider visibility for both pedestrians and vehicles. Never place CBUs near intersections or blind corners where they could obstruct drivers’ line of sight or become a hazard to foot traffic.

ADA Compliance Isn’t Optional—It’s the Law

ADA-compliant mailbox placement isn’t just good practice—it’s legally required. This means ensuring there’s a flat, stable path to and around the mailbox, as well as sufficient clearance for individuals using wheelchairs or mobility devices.

Q: What are the ADA requirements for mailboxes?
A: CBUs must be installed with a minimum 36" clear access path, 48" of front clearance, and a maximum reach height of 48" for any user compartment. Slopes must be gentle (max 1:20) with firm, stable surfaces.

Future-Proofing Your Installation

Think about growth. Will your community be expanding? Will more mailboxes be needed in the future? Planning for modular CBU expansion now can save time and cost later. Also consider lighting, shade, and drainage—will residents feel comfortable using the mailbox at night or after heavy rain?

Curb Appeal: the visual attractiveness of a property or community from the street. A strategically placed and well-designed mailbox installation enhances this significantly.

Collaborate with Professionals

We recommend working with a site planner or landscape architect when integrating CBUs into your neighborhood design. These experts can assess terrain, accessibility, and aesthetics to guide your decision. At Forsite, we work hand-in-hand with HOAs, developers, and designers to ensure flawless mailbox implementation that satisfies USPS, ADA, and aesthetic requirements.

Need help picking the perfect spot for your CBUs?

Our team collaborates with landscape designers, HOA boards, and site planners to ensure seamless CBU installation that enhances curb appeal while meeting all codes and specs. Contact us today to schedule a site consult.