The Importance of House Numbers
Buildings must have address numbers plainly legible and visible from the street fronting the property.
House numbers are not only convenient for finding addresses but necessary for emergency responders to locate those in need. When responding to an emergency, minutes matter so be sure that fire, ambulance, and police personnel can easily and quickly find your address.
It is recommended that all Olney residents take a few moments to install house numbers or examine existing house numbers. Be sure that the numbers are easily read from the street. Consider the following:
- Residential posting may be no less than three inches high; business structure posting may be no less than six inches
- When located adjacent to roads with speed limits above 45 mph must be of reflective material
- If the house is located more than 45 feet from the street, the numbers should be displayed on a fence, mailbox, or other appropriate place that will make it visible for approaching vehicles.
- Be sure that the view of the numbers is not obstructed by shrubs, trees, or decorations, such as flags.
- Script numbers or numbers that are spelled out in words may be aesthetically pleasing but are difficult to read quickly from the street.
- Brass or bronze numbers are difficult to see. Use numbers that contrast with the background.
- Numbers should be clearly seen when approaching from either side of the house.
This information can be found in our Code of Ordinances:
Sec. 3.07.033. - Posting of numbers
“Addressing standards shall include requirements of property owners and inhabitants to post assigned property numbers on structures. Numbers must be visible from the street and not be obscured. Residential posting may be no less than three inches high; business structure posting may be no less than six inches, and when located adjacent to roads with speed limits above 45 mph be of reflective material. Grace periods for incorporating this requirement are within 30 days of new address notification.”
