The project is a four level public parking ramp that is an independent building from but serves several floors of condominiums and a 24 hour operated casino, which makes the parking ramp a 24 hour occupied structure. There are no exterior walls on the ramp with the exception of floor to ceiling structural columns on a 24\' by 56\' grid. The fixtures are mounted at 11\' above the finished floor and placed within 10\' of the edge of the decks with a glare shield to reduce light spill out from the ramp. The LEED interior lighting requirements state that "The angle of maximum candela for each interior luminaire as located in the building shall intersect opaque building interior surfaces and not exit out through the windows." We have no windows on the parking structure and no other way to prevent light from escaping from the structure on the sides where it does not directly abut another building. We are asking for an interpretation as to whether this is considered an interior or an exterior lighting application? A ruling will help us determine if we will be able to pursue a LEED credit for light pollution reduction on this project.
The applicant is seeking clarification as to the interior/exterior area classification for a four level open air parking ramp building. For the purposes of SSc8, parking structure covered floor area is to be considered interior area and uncovered area is to be considered exterior area. Thus, any lighting within covered area must meet the interior lighting requirements of this credit and any lighting within uncovered area must meet the exterior lighting requirements of this credit, including being below specified foot candles horizontal and vertical at all locations outside the boundary of the property. For the purposes of clarity, the credit requirements pertaining to interior luminaires\' angle of maximum candela not exiting out windows also requires that interior luminaires\' angle of maximum candela not exit out building openings or other translucent surfaces. Applicable Internationally.