What is the minimum lighting level for a parking lot?

IES recommends minimum 1 foot-candle for open surface lots and 5 foot-candles for covered garages. High-security facilities should target 2–5 foot-candles.

How much does parking lot lighting cost?

LED: $2,000–$5,000/pole installed. A 100-space lot needs 8–15 poles, totaling $16,000–$75,000. Solar LED: $5,000–$12,000/pole.

Should I switch to LED parking lot lights?

Yes. LEDs consume 60–75% less energy, last 50,000–100,000 hours, and provide better color rendering for cameras. ROI: 2–4 years.

How far apart should parking lot light poles be?

Standard spacing: 60–100 feet for 20–30 foot mounting heights. Photometric analysis should be performed for every installation.

Do smart lighting controls save money?

Yes. Smart controls with motion sensors and dimming reduce energy costs 30–50% beyond LED savings alone.

Parking Lot Lighting Standards: IES Requirements, LED Costs & Design

IES parking lot lighting standards require 1–5 foot-candles minimum. LED costs $2,000–$5,000/pole installed. Complete 2026 guide to codes, design, and energy savings.

More Parking Construction Resources

Parking lot construction, paving, striping, lighting, and drainage — cost benchmarks, contractor selection, and specifications for building and resurfacing durable parking assets.

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