What Are Parking Lot Poles?
Parking lot poles are tall, outdoor-rated lighting structures designed to support area lights and provide broad illumination coverage across commercial parking areas. These poles are typically made from steel or aluminum and are available in both square and round profiles. Heights generally range from 10 to 30 feet, depending on the layout, lighting requirements, and mounting configuration.
As shown in the image, a typical parking lot pole is anchored into a concrete base and topped with an LED area light. This setup ensures long-term durability, stability in harsh weather conditions, and optimal light distribution for visibility and security.
How Are Parking Lot Poles Installed?
Installing a parking lot light pole requires a combination of site preparation, electrical planning, structural support, and precision. The process ensures long-term stability, safety, and lighting performance—especially in commercial and high-traffic environments.
Here’s a breakdown of the installation process:
1. Site Preparation & Excavation
First, the installation area is marked and excavated. Using heavy equipment like a mini-excavator, installers dig a hole based on the engineered footing depth—typically 4 to 8 feet depending on pole height and wind load requirements.
2. Form Setting & Conduit Placement
A Sonotube (round concrete form) is placed into the hole to shape the concrete base. Simultaneously, electrical conduit for power supply is positioned and secured. Installers ensure the form is level and plumb for a secure and stable foundation.
3. Concrete Pouring
Once the Sonotube and conduit are set, concrete is poured to create a strong footing for the pole. The anchor bolts are pre-positioned in the concrete using a template to align with the base plate of the pole.
4. Pole Mounting
After the concrete has fully cured (usually 24–72 hours), the steel pole is mounted to the base using heavy-duty anchor bolts. The fixture and wiring are connected, and the pole is straightened using leveling nuts for precise alignment.
Projects Completed Using Our Commercial LED Parking Poles
Our lighting engineers specialize in creating high-performance, code-compliant, and energy-efficient lighting solutions for commercial parking lots. Below are four real-world case studies showcasing our ability to solve unique challenges, maximize visibility, and deliver substantial cost savings through expert photometric design.
This project details a successful commercial parking lot lighting upgrade and City Certification project for two business campuses. We were able to save the client $40,000 while obtaining City Approval ✔
View More
A retail client sought a lighting solution to improve security and customer visibility during night hours in a high-crime area.
View More
This project aimed to meet strict city design standards in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which limited average illumination to 3.0 fc and required a uniformity ratio of 10:1 or better.
View More
A 56-car church parking lot needed a safe, efficient, and budget-conscious lighting solution.
View More
This case study highlights a major lighting upgrade for an auto dealership’s expansive parking lot. The client needed improved visibility for vehicle inventory and customer safety—without compromising on energy efficiency.
View More
Types of Parking Lot Light Poles
When designing or upgrading parking lot lighting, choosing the right type of light pole is just as important as selecting the fixture. Steel light poles are a top choice for their strength, durability, and compatibility with a wide range of LED area lights. Below, we break down the key types and configurations used in parking lot applications.
Direct-Burial Poles vs. Anchor-Based Poles
Direct-Burial Parking Lot Poles
These poles are installed by placing the base directly into the ground and encasing it with soil or concrete. The underground portion is coated to prevent corrosion.
- Rural parking lots
- Sports complexes or park facilities
- Areas without pre-poured foundations
Advantage: Simple and cost-effective installation
Anchor-Based Parking Lot Poles
Anchor-based poles use a base plate and anchor bolts mounted to a concrete footing. This method is the industry standard for commercial parking lot lighting.
Advantage: Easy to service or replace without disturbing the base
Square Steel Light Poles
Square steel light poles are a top choice for parking lots, offering a combination of strength, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Their flat-sided design makes them ideal for securely mounting multiple fixtures, such as LED lights, banners, or cameras, making them perfect for the complex lighting configurations required in large parking areas. The robust construction of square poles provides excellent resistance to environmental stressors like wind and heavy loads, ensuring long-lasting performance in outdoor applications.
In addition to their practicality, square steel poles deliver a clean, modern appearance that enhances the look of commercial parking lots. Available in various heights and finishes, including corrosion-resistant coatings like powder coating or galvanization, these poles are built to withstand the elements while maintaining their visual appeal. With their durability and adaptability, square steel light poles are the go-to solution for creating safe, well-lit parking environments.
Round Steel Parking Lot Poles
Round steel light poles are a versatile and durable solution for parking lot lighting, offering a sleek, modern appearance combined with exceptional performance. Their cylindrical shape provides superior wind resistance and structural strength, making them ideal for open areas like parking lots where poles are exposed to environmental stresses. The smooth surface of round poles allows for easy fixture installation while ensuring a clean, uniform look.
Round steel poles are available in various heights, finishes, and styles to suit different project needs. With options such as powder coating or galvanization, these poles are designed to resist corrosion and weathering, ensuring long-term reliability. Their combination of strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal makes round steel light poles a trusted choice for creating safe, well-lit parking lots that prioritize both functionality and design.
Parking Lot Pole Heights
For most commercial and municipal parking lots, pole heights between 15 and 30 feet strike the ideal balance between light coverage, fixture output, and installation cost. The right pole height depends on:
- Lot size and layout
- Mounting height of the fixtures
- Desired average footcandle levels
- Local ordinances or dark-sky compliance
Taller poles allow for wider light distribution and are often paired with higher-wattage fixtures. In contrast, shorter poles are typically used for tighter lots, pedestrian areas, or decorative zones.
Common Parking Lot Pole Heights
We supply a wide range of steel pole sizes, including the most popular heights for parking lot applications:
25-Foot Steel Poles – Common for mid-sized commercial lots
30-Foot Steel Poles – Ideal for large lots and general-purpose lighting
35–45 Foot Steel Poles – Used for oversized parking areas or to minimize fixture count
50–70 Foot Steel Poles – Reserved for high-mast lighting in major complexes, truck yards, or sports venues
Need help choosing the right height? Our lighting engineers can assist with photometric layouts and pole sizing based on your site specifications.
Parking Lot Pole Gauges
The gauge of a steel parking lot pole refers to the thickness of its steel walls—an important factor that affects structural strength, wind resistance, and fixture load capacity. Lower gauge numbers mean thicker steel and greater durability.
Why Gauge Matters in Parking Lot Poles
- Stronger poles = better performance in high wind zones
- Supports heavier fixtures, multiple arms, or bullhorn mounts
- Ensures long-term safety and structural stability
Common Steel Pole Gauges for Parking Lots:
7-Gauge Steel Poles - Ideal for coastal regions, sports complexes, and open commercial lots where wind loads and fixture weight are high.
10–11 Gauge Steel Poles - Suitable for typical parking lot applications in urban or suburban areas. These poles balance strength with cost-efficiency for retail centers, office parks, and schools.
Choosing the correct gauge is essential for meeting local wind load requirements and ensuring your lighting system lasts for years.
Parking Pole Wind Factors
When selecting steel light poles for outdoor applications, understanding wind factors is critical to ensuring safety and longevity. Wind load capacity, typically measured in EPA (Effective Projected Area), determines how much surface area of fixtures, banners, or other attachments a pole can safely support under specific wind conditions. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of wind load ratings for standard steel light poles, accounting for a 1.3 gust factor.
This chart represents the wind load capacity (EPA, or Effective Projected Area in square feet) for standard steel light poles under various wind speeds, accounting for a 1.3 gust factor. It assumes the poles are not specialized to withstand extreme high-wind conditions, though such specialized options are available. The chart details the pole’s dimensions (diameter, height, wall thickness, and weight) and the maximum square footage that can be safely attached at wind speeds ranging from 80 mph to 150 mph.
The wind ratings and maximum EPA values listed in this chart apply to specific steel light pole models and configurations. Actual performance may vary based on factors such as pole design, material properties, mounting conditions, local wind environment, and additional attachments or modifications. For accurate application and safety compliance, consult with the manufacturer or a qualified structural engineer.
Cost of Parking Lot Poles
The cost of commercial-grade steel light poles ranges from $400 to $1,284.91, depending on factors such as height, gauge, finish, and specific application requirements. On average, most high-quality steel poles fall between $600 and $1,000, making them a cost-effective solution for a variety of outdoor lighting needs.
It’s important to ensure that any steel pole you purchase meets industry standards for durability and structural integrity. Poles priced significantly lower than this range may lack essential features like proper protective coatings or adequate strength, rendering them unsuitable for commercial or industrial use. Investing in high-quality steel poles ensures long-term performance, reliability, and safety for your lighting projects. It’s also important to note, that these numbers can fluctuate based on the cost of steel as well as other economic factors; thus, this is a rough estimate.
Parking Lot Pole FAQ
Q. How tall are parking lot light poles?
Most parking lot poles range from 15 to 30 feet in height. Smaller lots or pedestrian zones may use 15–20 ft poles, while larger lots or car dealerships often use 25–30 ft poles for broader light distribution.
Q. What type of poles are used for parking lot lighting?
Steel square or round poles are most commonly used due to their strength and durability. Square poles are ideal for mounting multiple fixtures, while round poles are often chosen for aesthetics and wind resistance.
Q. What’s the best gauge for a parking lot pole?
7-gauge poles are recommended for high-wind or heavy-load applications. 10–11 gauge poles are typically sufficient for standard commercial lots and urban environments.
Q. Should I use direct-burial or anchor-base poles?
Anchor-base poles are most common in parking lots—they’re mounted on concrete foundations and allow for easier replacement. Direct-burial poles are used in less-developed or rural areas where concrete bases are impractical.
Q. How many light poles do I need for a parking lot?
The number of poles depends on lot size, mounting height, fixture type, and lighting goals—but it's never one-size-fits-all. That’s why we provide professional photometric lighting plans tailored to your site. These engineered layouts ensure code compliance, uniform illumination, and energy efficiency. In one recent project, our optimized design eliminated the need for new poles—saving the client over $30,000 while passing city inspection with ease.
Q. Can parking lot poles withstand hurricanes or high winds?
Yes, certain steel poles are engineered to withstand wind loads up to 180 MPH. These hurricane-rated poles are ideal for coastal areas or open lots prone to extreme weather. We offer hurricane-resistant steel poles engineered to withstand wind speeds up to 180 MPH, making them ideal for coastal regions, open commercial lots, and high-wind zones. These poles meet stringent load requirements and are frequently used in Florida, the Gulf Coast, and similar environments.
Q. Do parking lot poles come with mounting accessories?
Many poles are sold with or compatible with accessories like anchor bolts, base covers, tenon adapters, slipfitter mounts, and bullhorn arms—all essential for correct fixture mounting and configuration. Our store includes a full line of mounting accessories compatible with square and round steel poles, including: Anchor bolts & base plates, tenon adapters & slipfitter mounts, bullhorn arms (single, double, triple), pole caps & base covers.