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Growth in Warsaw has led to a change in zip codes for 4,000 addresses beginning July 1.
Residents and businesses in the Warsaw delivery area north of U.S. 30 will have their zip code changed from 46580 to 46582. The rest of the Warsaw delivery area, south of U.S. 30, will keep the 46580 zip code.
"It's due to the rapid growth that Warsaw is experiencing," said Warsaw Postmaster John Rupe. "Most of our growth is going north of U.S. 30."
Rupe said if the new zip code was applied to addresses south of U.S. 30, 8,000 to 9,000 addresses would have been affected. By going north, there is the least amount of impact on mail delivery.
"Our administrative management notified us last October or November. At that time, we started the process," Rupe said on when it was decided to add a new zip code in Warsaw.
Justification letters had to be sent to the state and to Washington, D.C., for approval of the new zip code. The Warsaw post office received approval for the new zip code in April and notifications were then sent out. Many residents received their notices last week.
Four-digit add-ons to zip codes will not be affected. Post office boxes with the zip code 46581 also will not be affected with the new zip code.
Warsaw residents and businesses affected by the new zip code should not begin using their new zip code until 30 days before the start date of July 1.
However, Rupe said, if a resident does not notify those who send mail to them, they will still continue to get mail. He said it would be more efficient, though, if the notice was given out.
Major mailers, such as magazines, will most likely automatically get the new zip codes because they constantly update their mailing lists, Rupe said. The biggest problems will be with individuals who need to be notified personally.
"My delivery policy is if we know where the address is, we're still going to deliver," said Rupe.
Post offices have change of address forms for Warsaw residents to notify others of the change of zip code.
Rupe said there will be "no new zip code for years and years and years. This (new zip code) will give us plenty of additional numbers."
