Moving to Shreveport, LA? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Shreveport is a mid-sized city in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, with about 188000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 38 ordinances across 11 categories that affect daily life in Shreveport.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Shreveport regulates short-term rentals under Article 23 of the Unified Development Code. Operators must obtain an STR permit, meet safety requirements, and designate a local responsible party..

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (moderate), Insurance Requirements (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Shreveport for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Shreveport's Unified Development Code Section 7.3 (Accessory Structures and Uses) limits residential carports to 20 feet in length and 10 feet in height. Carports must sit over a driveway, be open on at least two sides, and be permanent construction.

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (permissive), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Shreveport for details.

Environmental Rules

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..

Landscaping Rules

Grass Height Limits: Shreveport requires property owners to maintain vegetation under Chapter 58 (Nuisances). Grass and weeds exceeding 12 inches are considered a nuisance subject to city abatement..

Also covered: Water Restrictions (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Shreveport for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Safety Rules: Shreveport requires residential pools to meet safety standards including anti-entrapment drain covers. Pools must comply with the adopted building code and Louisiana sanitary code requirements..

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Fencing Requirements (strict). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Shreveport for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Shreveport regulates noise under Chapter 58 (Nuisances) of the Code of Ordinances. Excessive noise that disturbs the peace of residential neighborhoods is prohibited, with stricter enforcement during nighttime hours from 10 PM to 6 AM..

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Shreveport for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Shreveport permits consumer fireworks (Class C) during designated periods around Independence Day and New Year's Eve. Illegal fireworks and discharging outside permitted dates carry fines..

Also covered: Outdoor Burning (moderate), Fire Pit Rules (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Shreveport for details.

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: Shreveport enforces parking regulations on public streets. Vehicles may not be parked in the same location for extended periods.

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Shreveport for details.

Fence Regulations

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..

Also covered: Height Limits (moderate), Permit Requirements (permissive). See the full fence regulations guide for Shreveport for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Shreveport requires all dogs to be on a leash or under physical control when off the owner's property. Chapter 14 prohibits dogs from running at large..

Also covered: Breed Restrictions (permissive), Beekeeping (moderate), Exotic Pets (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Shreveport for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Home businesses in Shreveport may not display commercial signage visible from the street. No exterior advertising of home occupations is permitted in residential zones..

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Shreveport for details.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Shreveport includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.