Shreveport, LA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Required for all fences and repairs
- Barbed/razor wire
- Utility lots, R-A, C-3, C-4, I-MU, I-1, I-2
- Barbed wire height
- Minimum eight feet above grade
- Electrified fence
- Banned except battery-charged alarm fence
- Finished side
- Must face away from owner's lot
Summary
Shreveport permits wood, plastic, metal, wire mesh and masonry fences, but every fence, including repairs to an existing one, needs a building permit. Barbed and razor wire are confined to utility lots and a short list of industrial and commercial districts.
Barbed wire, razor wire, spiked posts, or fences of similar material are only permitted on a lot used for a utility in any district, or in the R-A, C-3, C-4, I-MU, I-1, or I-2 District. Barbed wire, razor wire, and similar material must be located a minimum of eight feet above the adjacent ground.
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
The Unified Development Code defines a fence as a boundary, screen or privacy barrier built of wood, plastic, metal, wire mesh, masonry or similar material, and Section 7.3.L.1.a requires a building permit for all fences and fence repairs. Barbed wire, razor wire and spiked posts are allowed only on utility lots or in the R-A, C-3, C-4, I-MU, I-1 and I-2 districts, mounted at least eight feet above grade. Electrified fences are banned unless they meet the battery-charged alarm-fence standards adopted from La. R.S. 33:1376. When only one side of a fence is finished, the finished side must face away from the owner's lot, except on property lines between single-family lots.
Violations & Fines
Zoning Administrator issues written compliance orders; each day is a separate offense, with fines set by the Code of Ordinances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit just to repair my fence?
Can I put barbed wire on my backyard fence?
Is a chain link fence with slats treated as solid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shreveport
Compare Shreveport to another location·View the Louisiana fence regulations overview
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