Need Help Quickly-Fed. Lighting Requirements for Private

[astrayer]

Hi,

Can someone tell me what or if there are Federal requirements for lighting for private parking lots? My house is across the street from a dirt parking lot belonging to the local church. They are paving the lot and placing 10 light poles on the lot. Although the city says they do not require the lighting, the lighting contractor says the National Electrical Code requires so much lighting per square foot of parking lot and supersedes any city ordinances. The lighting seems excessive and there has not been any lighting on the lot for over 60 years. There are also street lights that already light a substantial area on two sides of the parking lot. I have a meeting tonight at 6:30 with the parish priest. If someone could respond before then I would appreciate it.

Thanks for your help!

Anita

[ August 06, 2003, 02:07 PM: Message edited by: astrayer ]

 

[charlie b]

Re: Need Help Quickly-Fed. Lighting Requirements for Private

Originally posted by astrayer:? the lighting contractor says the National Electrical Code requires so much lighting per square foot of parking lot and supersedes any city ordinances.

Both assertions within this statement are inaccurate. Starting with the second assertion, the NEC does not supercede any city ordinance. It is up to the city, and to the state, and to any other applicable governing body to CHOOSE which codes they will adopt. It is a question of fact as to whether your particular city has chosen to adopt the NEC, and if so which version, and even whether to add their own amendments. You can find out by asking the city. But in any event, the city is not obliged to obey the contractor.

As to the first assertion, the NEC says that if you intend to build a facility, you must provide a minimum amount of power to that facility. It then describes several methods of figuring out how much power the facility will need. It never says that you have to install a minimum number of lights, nor provide for a minimum level of illumination. What it does say is that your service must have enough capacity to power a certain amount of lights; the owner remains free to choose whether to install those lights now, tomorrow, or never.

 

[flightline]

Re: Need Help Quickly-Fed. Lighting Requirements for Private

The NEC does not dictate the amount of light required for a particular task. Rather, it concerns itself with the minimum stadards for the installation of the wiring itself. Unless it is local code, I don't believe that there is a code that dictates a parking lot HAS to be iluminated.

The Iluminating Engineering Society does publish standards that are widely specified and adopted. Guideline on Security Lighting for People, Property, and Public Spaces is just such a publication.

A good lighting design can accomplish a lot with a little if engineered properly. They can choose the proper fixtures, mounting heights, and accessories to prevent or at least limit the amount of light poloution that you may receive. Remember too, that due to the cost of operation, the church may only run these lights when necessary. Perhaps in this instance, a local contractor who is a parishoner may be donating this work. Generally speaking, electrical contractors aren't familliar with the fine points of proper design.

There is another organization, the International Dark-Sky Organization, that may be able to assist you further in your search.

 

[charlie b]

Re: Need Help Quickly-Fed. Lighting Requirements for Private

Let me follow up by requesting that you understand that I am only addressing the NEC. There may be other codes (e.g., building codes) that apply to your city, and to the specific type of project under consideration. I cannot say whether any of these other codes might have anything to say about minimum number of lights. Again, you will have to check with the city, to find out what codes apply, and whether these codes support or refute the contractor?s statement.

 

[pwhitton]

Re: Need Help Quickly-Fed. Lighting Requirements for Private

The life safety code (NFPA 101) has a requirement for exterior emergency lighting to a public way. I don't have it with me right now but that is the only NFPA section that I know of that requires lighting/light levels exterior to a building. You should familiarize yourself with it.

 

[astrayer]

Re: Need Help Quickly-Fed. Lighting Requirements for Private

Thanks charlie b, flightline and pwhitton for your replies.

Regarding city building code and facilities, there will not be any structures on the site. The city has already said they do not have any requirement for the lighting. I have checked the city code on line and cannot find anyting that supports the lighting for the parking lot.

I doubt any change will come from my meeting, the bases for the lights have already been set. The city does not require notification of ajacent property owners to projects such as this unless there is a zoning change or variance involved. Therefore, we woke up one morning to see construction had begun. At the least perhaps I will be able to get the city to require permit seekers to notify adjacent property owners in writing of construction plans prior to issuing permits.

Thanks for your help. Will let you know what happens!

 

[websparky]

Re: Need Help Quickly-Fed. Lighting Requirements for Private

The NFPA 100 or 101 requires emergencey egress lighting only. That means enough lighting to get you to an exit of the building.

Usually when this situation arises, the two owners get together and try to work out something agreeable.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Need Help Quickly-Fed. Lighting Requirements for Private

The IBC (if applicable to this building) requires emergancy lighting of one foot candle at the floor for the means of egress. A means of egress consists of three components: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge. The exit discharge begins once you step foot out of the building and doesn't end until you reach the public way.