Parking Garage Lighting Requirements: Layout & Design Standards

Parking garage lighting requirements, design, layout, and standards must be meticulously considered to create a well-lit environment that prevents accidents and enhances security. Adhering to these guidelines ensures appropriate illumination levels, supports energy efficiency, and caters to diverse user needs while maintaining compliance with regulations.

Ensure your parking garage meets all safety and design standards with expert lighting layout solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

Parking garage lighting requirements

Both drivers and pedestrians require high levels of lighting to ensure their security. Drivers also require clear visibility of columns, obstacles, and pedestrians when maneuvering aisles and parking spaces. 

Pedestrians must be able to see oncoming vehicles from a safe distance and need adequate lighting to avoid colliding with columns. Parking garage operators or managers are concerned with everyone's safety and the overall costs, whether constructing a new facility or retrofitting an existing lighting system because the lights are on 24/7/365. Design, selection, installation, and maintenance each pose challenges in creating or upgrading a lighting system.

At FES Lighting, we specialize in crafting tailored lighting solutions that meet all regulatory standards while ensuring energy efficiency and user satisfaction. Our expertise lies in transforming spaces into well-lit, secure areas that enhance the safety and usability of any structure. 

We also offer valuable insights into parking lot lighting. Parking lot lighting upgrades are essential for improving safety and security in outdoor spaces. Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting can also reduce electricity costs while ensuring well-lit areas for pedestrians and vehicles.

A parking lot lighting calculator is a valuable tool for determining the optimal lighting requirements for outdoor areas. Contact FES Lighting today to discuss how we can illuminate your project to perfection.

Parking garage lighting standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines that influence parking garage lighting standards, primarily focusing on safety and visibility. While OSHA does not have specific regulations exclusively for parking garages, its general industry standards outline minimum illumination requirements for various work environments, which can be applicable to parking facilities.

According to OSHA's standard 1910.37(b), exit routes must be adequately illuminated to allow employees to see along the exit path. Additionally, OSHA standard 1910.36(b)(6) specifies that each exit route must be adequately lighted so that an employee with normal vision can see along it. These requirements ensure that areas such as stairwells, corridors, and exit pathways within parking garages are sufficiently lit to facilitate safe egress.

However, the Illuminating Engineering Society sets standards that are often incorporated into building codes and regulations.

Illuminance Levels

The IES provides specific recommendations for illuminance levels in parking garages, measured in foot-candles (fc):

Uniformity Ratios

Maintaining uniform lighting is critical to reduce visual discomfort and safety hazards caused by high-contrast areas. IES recommends:

• A maximum uniformity ratio of 10:1 for the ratio of maximum to minimum illumination in parking areas and ramps.

Energy Efficiency and Controls

Standards such as ASHRAE 90.1-2019 emphasize energy efficiency in parking garage lighting systems. These include:

• Lighting Power Density (LPD): Limits energy consumption per square foot.
• Automatic Controls: Use of occupancy sensors and daylight-responsive controls to adjust or turn off lights when areas are unoccupied or have sufficient daylight.

Adhering to OSHA workplace lighting requirements is necessary for maintaining employee safety and productivity. In addition to this, the parking lot lighting requirements are key for compliance and safety. Properly designed lighting can prevent accidents and deter crime in these high-traffic areas.

Transform your parking garage with a lighting design that enhances visibility and security. Reach out to us and let us guide you through the essential lighting requirements.

Figuring Out Parking Garage Lighting Levels for Your Business

Several factors need to be assessed to determine the correct lighting levels. The Illuminating Engineering Society provides detailed guidelines. These standards ensure adequate illumination for critical sections such as entrances, exits, parking spaces, and pedestrian areas.

IES Standards for Lighting Intensity

The IES defines minimum lighting levels for parking garages, measured in foot-candles (fc), to ensure visibility and safety across all zones:

• Parking Spaces and Driveways: Require a minimum of 5 fc (54 lux) during active use periods. During inactive times, lighting can be reduced to 1 fc (10.8 lux).
• Entrances and Exits: Should maintain 10 fc (108 lux) to account for the transition between outdoor and indoor lighting conditions.
• Stairwells and Elevators: Need at least 7.5 fc (80 lux) to ensure safety and visibility for pedestrians.
• Payment Stations: Should be illuminated with 10–15 fc (108–161 lux) for clear visibility during transactions.

These standards are intended to provide uniform coverage, reduce glare, and eliminate dark spots, promoting both pedestrian and vehicular safety.

Conduct a Comprehensive Lighting Audit

To assess current lighting conditions and determine improvements:

• Measure Existing Levels: Use a light meter to evaluate the current illuminance across all zones, comparing results to IES standards.
• Evaluate Layout: Consider ceiling heights, garage size, and traffic patterns to identify poorly lit areas.
• Spot Dark Zones: Highlight areas such as corners, stairwells, and behind structural elements where lighting may be insufficient.

This audit ensures that all areas meet required safety and security standards.

Strategic Fixture Placement

Proper fixture placement is best to achieving uniform coverage and eliminating safety risks:

• Open Parking Areas: Install ceiling-mounted fixtures evenly spaced to provide ambient lighting with a minimum of 5 fc (54 lux).
• Entrances and Exits: Use directional LED fixtures to prevent glare and maintain at least 10 fc (108 lux) for smooth transitions.
• Stairwells and Elevators: Position wall-mounted fixtures at eye level to eliminate shadows and ensure 7.5 fc (80 lux) lighting.
• Corners and Perimeters: Install wall-mounted lights to address dark spots and improve overall visibility.

Integrate Smart Lighting Controls

Modern lighting systems can incorporate intelligent controls to optimize energy use and enhance user experience:

• Occupancy Sensors: Automatically increase light levels in areas when motion is detected, such as stairwells or rarely used sections.
• Daylight Sensors: Adjust artificial lighting based on natural light availability near open structures or windows.
• Scheduled Dimming: Reduce lighting intensity during non-peak hours to maintain minimum safety levels and lower energy costs.

Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

Maintaining your lighting system is critical to ensuring consistent performance and safety:

• Clean Fixtures: Dirt and debris can reduce light output; clean fixtures regularly to maintain optimal brightness.
• Replace Faulty LEDs: Promptly address burned-out or malfunctioning lights to prevent dark zones.
• Measure Light Levels Periodically: Use light meters to verify that all areas meet IES standards.

Different Areas of the Structure

Spaces such as stairwells, elevators, pedestrian pathways, and service areas require specialized consideration to ensure safety and visibility. In stairwells and elevators, localized lighting with motion sensors can enhance security and energy efficiency by ensuring brightness only when needed, thereby conserving energy.

Type of Lighting

The type of lighting in a parking garage directly affects its safety, efficiency, and compliance with standards. Below are the primary options for parking garage lighting, highlighting their key features and applications:

LED Lighting

• Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume up to 70% less energy than traditional lighting options like fluorescent, sodium, or metal halide fixtures, significantly reducing operational costs.
• Long Lifespan: LEDs typically last 50,000–100,000 hours, minimizing replacement needs and maintenance costs.
• Variable Intensity: Supports dimming and adjustable brightness based on occupancy sensors, daylight availability, or time-of-day programming.
• Applications: Suitable for all garage areas, including open parking spaces, ramps, stairwells, and entrances/exits.
• Color Temperature and CRI: Offers customizable color temperatures (3000K–5000K) and high color rendering indexes (80+), ensuring clear visibility and accurate color perception.

Fluorescent Lighting

• Energy Consumption: Less efficient than LEDs but more energy-efficient than older technologies like incandescent lights.
• Applications: Often used in low-ceiling garages or areas with consistent, moderate lighting needs.
• Limitations: Shorter lifespan compared to LEDs, with frequent replacements required due to flickering and degradation over time.

Sodium Lighting (High-Pressure Sodium or Low-Pressure Sodium)

• Light Output: Produces a yellow-orange hue, which can limit color differentiation and reduce visibility.
• Applications: Previously common for open parking areas or older garages but now largely replaced by LEDs.
• Limitations: Poor color rendering, high energy consumption, and shorter lifespan compared to LEDs.

Metal Halide Lighting

• Light Output: Provides a bright, white light with moderate color rendering capabilities (CRI around 60–70).
• Applications: Traditionally used in high-bay settings or large garages requiring intense illumination.
• Limitations: Higher energy consumption.

For those considering a switch to more efficient lighting solutions, reaching out to lighting retrofit companies can facilitate the transition to LED or other advanced lighting technologies.

Type of Fixtures

LED fixtures are the top choice for parking garage lighting due to their efficiency, durability, and adaptability. With a range of suitable options designed to meet specific lighting needs, these fixtures ensure properly lit parking that enhances visibility, safety, and energy efficiency.

Below are the most common light fixtures and their applications, along with important design considerations for various parking garage environments, including underground parking and multi-level structures.

• Canopy Lights: Best for open parking areas and ceilings 8–12 feet high. These fixtures provide broad, even illumination with dimming options and are available in recessed or surface-mounted designs.
• Vapor-Tight Fixtures: Ideal for damp or wet conditions, such as underground garages or entrances. These fixtures are sealed against moisture, dust, and debris (IP65+ rated), making them durable with shatterproof lenses and energy-efficient performance.
• High-Bay Lights: Perfect for garages with high ceilings (15–30 feet). These fixtures deliver bright, uniform light with excellent distribution, are dimmable, and have a long lifespan for hard-to-reach areas.
• Wall Packs: Best for stairwells, pathways, and perimeter walls. These fixtures provide directional lighting with minimal spillage and can include motion sensors and rugged designs for enhanced security.
• Linear Fixtures: Designed for low-ceiling garages and narrow walkways. These slim-profile fixtures ensure consistent light distribution in tight spaces and often feature emergency lighting capabilities.

Height of Ceilings

High ceilings may require more powerful luminaires or those with broader beam angles to achieve sufficient ground-level illumination. Conversely, low ceilings might benefit from compact fixtures placed strategically to prevent shadows and ensure safety without risking fixture damage.

Key takeaways on parking garage lighting design

In conclusion, effective parking garage lighting design requires careful consideration of various factors, including luminaire type, placement, and the specific needs of different areas within the structure. By prioritizing safety and energy efficiency, businesses can ensure that parking garages are both user-friendly and compliant with regulatory standards.

Our commercial lighting solutions play a large role in creating a safe and inviting environment for businesses and their customers. They enhance visibility and can significantly influence the overall atmosphere. 

Maximize efficiency and safety in your parking garage with the right lighting design. Get in touch with our experts to ensure your layout meets the latest lighting requirements.