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Shreveport, LA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Residential districts
35 feet maximum
R-4 multi-family
No maximum height
C-3 and C-4 commercial
50 feet maximum
Height measured from
Grade to highest roof point
Exempt features
Chimneys, steeples, water tanks, penthouses

Summary

Every Shreveport residential zoning district caps building height at 35 feet, measured from grade to the highest point of the roof. Commercial and industrial districts run higher, and downtown sub-districts follow a separate figure rather than a single number.

In any zoning district, except in the downtown sub-districts, any main structure may be erected or altered to a height in excess of that specified for the district in which the structure is located provided that each required front, side, and rear yard is increased one foot for each foot of such excess height

Source: Shreveport Code of Ordinances & Unified Development CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 Update 1 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 20).

Full Breakdown

R-A, R-E, R-1-12, R-1-10, R-1-7, R-1-5, R-UC, R-HU, R-TH and R-MHS all cap at 35 feet. R-2 and R-3 allow 40 feet for townhouse, multi-family and non-residential buildings while holding detached, attached and two-family dwellings to 35 feet. R-4 sets no maximum for multi-family. Commercial runs 35 feet in C-1 up to 50 feet in C-3 and C-4; industrial reaches 70 feet in I-2. Chimneys, steeples, flag poles, water tanks, elevator bulkheads and mechanical penthouses are exempt from the maximum.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the district height without the added yard depth voids the permit. Enforcement runs under UDC Article 19, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build taller than 35 feet in a residential district?
Yes, outside the downtown sub-districts, if each required front, side and rear yard grows one foot for every foot of excess height.
Does a rooftop HVAC unit count toward height?
No. Necessary mechanical appurtenances, elevator bulkheads and penthouses housing mechanical equipment are exempt from the maximum height limit under UDC Section 2.4.D.2.
What governs downtown height?
The D-1 downtown sub-districts do not carry a numeric cap in Table 4-4. Maximum building height there is set by UDC Figure 4-4.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Shreveport

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Shreveport rules

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