Flagpole Lighting Design:
Guidelines for Flagpoles
An important consideration in the architectural design of new flag pole installations is the design and placement of exterior lights. Exterior mounted fixtures intended to illuminate flags should be minimized and not create glare or light overspill that impacts adjacent properties. New lights should not stand out in relationship to surrounding lights when viewed from a distance.
The following guidelines represent suggested standards that may be used in evaluating the design and placement of exterior lights for flagpoles:
- All new flag pole installations in commercial, industrial, institutional, and visitor accommodation facilities should require review and approval of all lighting proposed for illumination of the pole and flags.
- Light fixtures that are used to light poles and flags should be limited to lighting the pole and flag(s) and shall not overspill onto adjacent buildings, sidewalks, trees, and vegetation, roads, or property. All exterior lights should be adequately controlled and/or shielded to prevent such overspill.
- Bare bulb light fixtures such as flood and spot lights are not recommended due to their unfinished appearance.
- The type, number, and location of flag pole light fixtures should be considered with regard to the wattage, energy use and efficiency, mounting height and location, beam width, and shielding. Narrow beam width is encouraged.
- Lighting plans and lighting manufacturer’s brochures or catalogues showing fixture types, illumination level, materials, finish, wattage, and beam spread should be carefully reviewed. Installations may require issuance of an electrical permit, depending on local law.