Are businesses required to have lights in their parking lot at night?

[frostedpink]

This is a lame topic, I am aware. However, this is really bothering me, LOL.

My child attends a class at a recreational facility once a week in the evening. This is a privately-owned business, not a city/community place. I noticed that this facility has NO lights on in their parking lot. You walk out the door, and it's pitch black. I do see they have lights on the side of the building, but all the bulbs must be burned out. Is this legal? I would think there would be some sort of city ordinance that requires a business to have adequate lighting in the parking lot. I found the website with the city code ordinances and I poked around but couldn't find any of these types of rules for businesses.

Another thing I noticed is that their doorway has a step that is about 3 inches high and no ramp - not ADA compliant. They also don't have their parking lot "striped" with parking spaces painted. It's all just blacktop so everyone just parks wherever they please. Drives me nuts.

First world problems, right? But honestly, the no lights is a safety issue IMO.

 

[wilkeliza]

I don't think they are legally required but if you get injured or hit in the parking lot you could probably claim the business is liable for not providing adequate light.

For the step it is possible they have a removable ramp for people with disabilities. Depending on the situation I don't think it has to be a permanent feature just has to be accessible.

 

[kamik86]

I would think businesses should be required to have lights in their parking lot up until the time they are closed for business. No idea if they legally have to though.

Not sure about lighting for employees though.

My work has lights at all times in the parking lot.

 

[barkley]

I'd just call the city/county and ask what the regulations are for the specific address b/c laws and coding can vary depending on how an address is zoned and even within zones block to block. key example-we used to live in a neighborhood w/businesses that backed up to one street of houses-all the other businesses on that street lived by one set of rules re. lights/loudspeakers/parking but the homeowners successfully argued special rules into the businesses that backed up to the homes when zoning was getting approved (only new car lot I've ever seen that wasn't allowed to use an outdoor speaker system after 5 p.m. or on weekends, and had dimmer switches that took the lot lights down very low at night).

 

[tvguy]

Probably varies from city to city. Certainly for security you want adequate light, but at least here there are laws on the maximum light you can have......some businesses have had to lower their outdoor lighting because it was causing "light pollution".
And then there is Levi Stadium where the 49ers play, FAA is investigating whether the lights are blinding pilots landing at San Jose International Airport.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-levis-stadium-lights-planes-20150923-story.html

 

[scrapquitler]

This is a lame topic, I am aware. However, this is really bothering me, LOL.

My child attends a class at a recreational facility once a week in the evening. This is a privately-owned business, not a city/community place. I noticed that this facility has NO lights on in their parking lot. You walk out the door, and it's pitch black. I do see they have lights on the side of the building, but all the bulbs must be burned out. Is this legal? I would think there would be some sort of city ordinance that requires a business to have adequate lighting in the parking lot. I found the website with the city code ordinances and I poked around but couldn't find any of these types of rules for businesses.

Another thing I noticed is that their doorway has a step that is about 3 inches high and no ramp - not ADA compliant. They also don't have their parking lot "striped" with parking spaces painted. It's all just blacktop so everyone just parks wherever they please. Drives me nuts.

First world problems, right? But honestly, the no lights is a safety issue IMO.

There may be some city zoning that requires it, or there may be zoning regulations that specify exactly what type of lighting is permitted (here there is a regulation that all new construction has to have downward pointed lights with shields to minimize light pollution). The best way to find out what is required where you are would be to call the office that regulates building permits in your town.

For me, the approach that I would take in this situation is a face to face conversation with the owner/manager of the business. I would voice my concerns that the parking lot is very dark at night, and I am worried about my safety and that of those around me because of the darkness and lack of visibility, especially if it seems that the lights are blown out...it could be that they are just unaware of it. I would probably say something like "I'm just letting you know because I'd hate for something to happen to someone and have you get sued for it over a few light bulbs"

The other issues of ADA accessibility and parking lot striping can probably also be answered in your phone call to the zoning/building department as well.