Laws on Parking Lot Lighting in Minnesota

• Parking lots lights not only provide illumination for nighttime shoppers or visitors, but they also serve as a security feature to help deter criminals. In Minnesota, parking lots are required to follow the rules and regulations established by the state regarding lights. The purpose of parking lot lighting laws is to help conserve the amount of energy used while still providing a safe environment.

Requirements

• A parking lot designed to store registered vehicles for shopping or other purposes must have an established lighting system with a minimum of 70 lumens per watt, according to the Minnesota Administrative Rule 8885.0300. Parking lot lights cannot have fewer than 70 lumens per watt, according to the same rule.

Existing Parking Lot Lights

• Existing parking lot lights are defined as lighting fixtures that have been installed before August 1, 1992. The aforementioned requirements are still applicable to parking lot lighting fixtures constructed on or before August 1, 1992.

Exemptions

• The Minnesota Administrative Rule 8885.0300 is only relevant to parking lots designed for storing or allowing vehicles to park; however, this code is not relevant to parking lots for car dealerships or single family homes, as outlined by the Minnesota Administrative Rules 8885.0100.