Commercial Parking Lot Lighting Case Study | City Lighting Approval/Recertification
This project details a successful commercial parking lot lighting upgrade and City Certification project for two business campuses. The client was required to recertify the lots to comply with new city regulations mandating a minimum illumination level of 1.0 footcandle (fc) across the entire lot. The challenge: meet this strict standard without installing new poles, which previous contractors claimed was necessary.
We were able to save the client $40,000 while obtaining City Approval ✔
Project Challenge
Other contractors' initial bids proposed new poles and fixtures totaling $55,000. The client approached us for a more cost-effective solution that preserved existing infrastructure.
Commercial Parking Lot Lighting Design
Our lighting engineers designed a custom layout using 52 energy-efficient LED area lights mounted on the existing poles. By optimizing beam angles and fixture wattage, we ensured comprehensive coverage while controlling glare and minimizing spill light. The total installed cost was only $15,000, less than a third of previous quotes.
Fixture A: 300W Commercial LED Parking Lot Flood Lights
Fixture A Count: 34 PCS
Fixture B: 400W Commercial LED Parking Lot Flood Lights
Fixture B Count: 16 PCS
Accessories Used: 9x Quad 90° Flood Light Bullhorn Tenons
Fixture Certifications: UL
Results
After installation, the city inspector conducted light meter readings across both lots. The new lighting layout exceeded the 1.0 ft minimum requirement, with consistent, uniform light distribution across all measured zones.
Customer Feedback
The client was highly satisfied with both the outcome and the substantial savings. Our strategic use of photometric design allowed them to avoid unnecessary pole installations and still meet municipal compliance standards.
“The city signed off on both lots without hesitation. What others said would require new infrastructure, your team solved with smart engineering. Huge win.”
