Special Events & Permits in Shreveport, LA

Shreveport maintains 152 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with special events & permits. 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.

Parade Permits

Shreveport requires a parade permit from the chief of police or a designee before any parade may march or proceed along a city street. Organizers must apply at least one week ahead with a list of everyone driving in the parade and disclose whether anything will be thrown from a float; missing that deadline means the permit is denied.

Key details: Permit issuer: Chief of police or designee. Application deadline: At least 1 week before parade. Penalty: Up to $500 fine, 60 days jail. Animal buffer: 200 yards, 2 hrs before/1 hr after. Vendor rule: Vendors within 200 yards need own license.

Police, fire and code enforcement officers can remove any person, float or vehicle violating chapter 78 from the parade and can tow an unoccupied vehicle blocking the route. Section 78-119 sets the penalty at up to 60 days in jail, a $500.00 fine, or both. A float without required skirts or escorts is pulled from the procession immediately, and Mardi Gras throwers who violate the prohibited-throw rules face on-the-spot removal from the parade.

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

Park Event Permits

Holding a meeting, performance, race, athletic contest or parade in a Shreveport city park needs a permit from the director of public assembly and recreation. Applications must go in at least 45 days ahead, name the group's officers or leaders, and specify which park and area is wanted; the director confirms availability within two working days.

Key details: Application lead time: 45 days before the event. Response time: Director responds within 2 working days. Issuer: Director of public assembly and recreation. Facility permit: Ballfields, courts, gyms use § 62-30. Revocation: Violation forfeits fees, permit revoked.

Violating a permit's written terms, or any law, ordinance, rule or regulation while using a park, lets the director revoke the permit outright and forfeit money already paid; the permittee and any agents or employees involved stay liable for damages beyond that forfeiture. None of that relieves anyone from separate punishment under city law. Resisting or hindering a park employee enforcing these rules is itself a separate offense under section 62-28, and unpermitted use of a park for a meeting, performance or contest defaults to the general penalty in section 1-14: up to $1,000.00 and 60 days in jail.

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.

Parklets

Shreveport has no ordinance for parklets built in parking spaces, but downtown restaurants can occupy adjoining sidewalk space under the sidewalk cafe and bistro permit in section 78-139(b). Permits run through a joint committee of the downtown development authority, MPC, police and public works, cost $200.00 the first year and $100.00 to renew, and expire every December 31.

Key details: Governing section: § 78-139(b), Code of Ordinances. Where allowed: D-1 Downtown districts, except D-1 CMU. First-year fee: $200.00. Renewal fee: $100.00 per year. Expires: December 31 every year.

A sidewalk permit is a revocable privilege, not a property right. The sidewalk permit committee can pull it for violating section 78-139, its own rules, or the specific conditions attached to the permit, but only after a hearing with ten days' written notice to the holder. The permit holder has ten days from that decision to appeal to the city council, whose ruling is final either way.

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

The Bottom Line

Shreveport is tougher than many cities when it comes to special events & permits. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 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.

These rules come from Shreveport's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.