Shreveport's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Shreveport, Louisiana, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Coastal Development

Shreveport sits on the Red River in northwest Louisiana, far outside the state Coastal Zone, so no Coastal Use Permit is required. Development near water is instead controlled by the city's floodplain, drainage and erosion ordinances.

Key details: Coastal Use Permit: Not required — outside coastal zone. Governing chapter: Code Ch. 34, Flood Prevention. Flood maps: Caddo Parish FIS, May 19, 2014. Red River SFHA elevation: 1.5 feet above high water mark. Permit before construction: Development permit, Sec. 34-46.

Building in a flood hazard area without a development permit is a misdemeanor punished under Sec. 1-14, plus injunctive action by the city.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Shreveport gives residents more flexibility on coastal development.

Erosion Control

Shreveport requires an erosion and sedimentation control permit from the Department of Engineering and Environmental Services before clearing, grading, excavating or filling anywhere in the city or the Cross Lake watershed, with only narrow exemptions.

Key details: Permit trigger: Any land altering activity. Inspections required: Every two weeks and after rain. Rain-event threshold: One-half inch or more. SWPPP threshold: One acre disturbed. Fine: Up to $500 per day per violation.

Stop work orders, permit revocation, administrative fines up to $500 per day per violation, water service termination, liens on unpaid fines, and misdemeanor prosecution.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Shreveport actively enforces its erosion control requirements.

Stormwater Management

Shreveport's stormwater quality ordinance bans any discharge to the city storm drainage system, Cross Lake or its tributaries that is not composed entirely of stormwater, and lists specific banned substances from motor oil to soapy washwater.

Key details: Governing article: Code Ch. 34, Article V. Protected waters: City storm drains, Cross Lake, tributaries. Illicit discharge fine: Up to $500 per day. Administered by: City engineer. Appeal route: Environmental court, Chapter 38.5.

Notice to cease, administrative fines up to $500 per day per violation, water service termination, liens, misdemeanor conviction up to 60 days, plus attorney fees and damages.

Compared to other cities, Shreveport takes a harder line on stormwater management. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Grading & Drainage

No Shreveport building permit issues for work that converts more than 2,500 square feet of pervious surface to impervious unless the plans include stormwater detention. Detention ponds must be maintained and are inspected annually for a fee.

Key details: Detention trigger: 2,500 sq ft pervious to impervious. Sites over half acre: Detain 100-year storm volume. Release rate: Ten-year design storm. Pond freeboard: One foot minimum. Annual inspection fee: $100 per owner.

Written notice to cease, administrative fines up to $500 per day per violation, water shutoff, property liens, and misdemeanor conviction carrying up to 60 days.

Compared to other cities, Shreveport takes a harder line on grading & drainage. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Flood Zones

Shreveport has significant FEMA-designated flood zones along the Red River, Cross Bayou, and various bayous and creeks. Development in flood zones requires elevation above base flood elevation and flood insurance.

Key details: Program: National Flood Insurance Program. Primary Risk: Red River, Cross Bayou, bayous. Requirement: Elevation above BFE. Insurance: Required in flood zones. CRS: Participates for discounts.

Non-compliant development faces stop-work orders and permit denial. NFIP violations affect community flood insurance rates.

This is one of the stricter rules in Shreveport's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Shreveport is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Shreveport, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Shreveport's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.