Parking Garage Lighting Requirements: Design, Codes & Best Practices

Effective parking garage lighting is essential for safety, visibility, and compliance. From national lighting codes to design considerations like fixture placement and energy efficiency, this guide outlines everything you need to know about parking garage lighting requirements.

Key Standards & Regulatory Requirements

Proper illumination in parking garages must follow industry standards and local building codes. These include:

IES Illuminance Levels

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recommends the following minimum light levels:

The recommended uniformity ratio is 3:1 (maximum to minimum).

ASHRAE 90.1 & IECC Lighting Power Density (LPD)

These codes limit the watts per square foot that lighting systems can use. For enclosed parking garages:

• ASHRAE 90.1: 0.20 W/sq.ft.
• IECC 2021: 0.18 W/sq.ft.

NFPA Emergency Lighting Requirements

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 101) mandates:

• 1 fc minimum along egress paths
• Lighting must remain on for at least 90 minutes during power failure

Local Code Examples

• California Title 24 includes daylight zone control and occupancy sensors
• NYC Energy Code follows ASHRAE guidelines but adds motion sensor requirements in some zones

Lighting Design Considerations

Designing an effective lighting layout involves more than brightness levels.

Uniformity & Fixture Distribution

Proper spacing prevents dark corners and reduces shadows. Use wide-distribution optics to cover large areas.

Color Temperature & Rendering

• Recommended CCT: 4000K–5000K for a clean, bright feel
• CRI > 70 is typically sufficient for visibility

Mounting Height & Spacing

• Mount fixtures at 8–12 feet, depending on ceiling height
• Overlap beam spreads for even coverage

Glare Control

Use diffusers or shields to minimize glare, especially at vehicle entrances.

Energy Efficiency & Lighting Controls

Modern lighting systems integrate smart controls to reduce energy use.

Occupancy & Vacancy Sensors

Lights can dim or shut off when no motion is detected. Use bi-level switching to maintain minimum safety lighting.

Daylight Harvesting

In open or partially open garages, daylight sensors adjust artificial light based on natural light levels.

LED Fixture Selection

Choose fixtures with:

• Efficacy > 120 lumens/watt
• Long lifespan (e.g., 50,000+ hours)
• Low maintenance and sealed to IP65 or better

Emergency Lighting & Backup Systems

Maintaining egress path visibility is critical.

Required Illuminance

NFPA requires at least 1 fc for exits, stairs, and egress paths.

Battery Backup

Fixtures must operate on backup power for 90 minutes. Test systems monthly and keep log records.

Maintenance, Audits & Monitoring

Regular maintenance ensures code compliance and lighting quality.

Lighting Audits

Conduct audits to verify light levels and identify fixture failures.

Cleaning & Replacement

Clean lenses and replace burned-out units promptly. Consider wireless monitoring for real-time diagnostics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the minimum lighting level for parking ramps?
IES recommends 10 fc for ramps and transition zones.

Q2: Are lights required to stay on 24/7?
No. With proper sensors, lights can dim or shut off when unoccupied, as long as minimum safety levels are met.

Q3: Can I use high bay fixtures in parking garages?
High bays are typically too bright and concentrated. Use garage-specific fixtures with low-glare optics.

Q4: What color temperature is best?
A range of 4000K–5000K balances visibility and user comfort.

Conclusion

Meeting parking garage lighting requirements means complying with IES, NFPA, ASHRAE, and local codes while ensuring safety, efficiency, and user satisfaction. Design your system with uniformity, smart controls, and proper emergency provisions to ensure full compliance and optimal operation.