Shreveport, LA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

C of the Unified Development Code treats beekeeping as an accessory use tied to the residence, not agriculture, and it does not apply to lots whose principal use is already agricultural. The apiary itself must sit only in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from any lot line and from the principal building, and every colony has to be kept in a removable-frame hive that stays in sound, usable condition rather than a fixed box or barrel. If a hive sits within 25 feet of a lot line, the keeper must build and maintain a flyway barrier at least six feet tall, made of hedge, fence, solid wall, or a mix, running parallel to the lot line and extending 10 feet past the colony in each direction, so bees are pushed up to fly at six feet or higher over the neighbors' yards rather than at head height.

Keepers must also keep a convenient water source available to the colony at all times, which cuts down on bees congregating at neighbors' pools and birdbaths. If a colony turns unusually aggressive, stinging or trying to sting without provocation, or shows an unusual tendency to swarm, the code requires the keeper to promptly re-queen it rather than simply letting the behavior continue. Despite all of these siting and maintenance rules, apiaries are explicitly exempted from the building permit requirement that applies to most other accessory structures under this same article, so a hive box does not need a permit application before it goes in the yard.