How Shreveport Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide

Shreveport maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Shreveport falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Shreveport follows Louisiana state law for boundary fences. Under Louisiana Civil Code, both neighbors share the cost of a common fence on the property line.

Key details: Cost Sharing: Shared per LA Civil Code Art. 685. Consent: Not needed on your property. Boundary: Common fences are shared property. Disputes: Civil matter, may need survey.

Fence disputes are civil matters between neighbors. The city enforces code compliance only.

The rules around neighbor fence rules in Shreveport lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Height Limits

Shreveport limits fence heights under the Unified Development Code. Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Taller fences may require approval.

Key details: Front Yard: 4 feet maximum. Side/Rear Yard: 6 feet maximum. Corner Lots: Sight triangle required. Variance: Available for extra height.

Non-compliant fences receive code enforcement notices with a deadline to reduce height or obtain a variance.

Permit Requirements

Standard fences within height limits generally do not require a building permit in Shreveport. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls, and masonry walls typically require permits.

Key details: Standard Fences: No permit within height limits. Over 6 ft: Permit required. Retaining Walls: Permit if over 4 ft. Historic Districts: Design review may apply.

Unpermitted fences exceeding thresholds face code enforcement requiring retroactive permits or modification.

Shreveport is more permissive than most cities when it comes to permit requirements. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Shreveport gives residents more room on fence regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

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.