Moving to Shreveport, LA?
Here are the local rules you need to know before you unpack.
Every city has its own set of local ordinances that go beyond state and federal law. From when you can mow your lawn to whether you can park your RV in the driveway, these rules affect daily life in ways most people do not expect. This guide covers the key ordinances in Shreveport across 11 categories and 38 specific rules we track.
🔊 Noise Ordinances
Noise rules affect everything from weekend parties to lawn care schedules. Quiet hours, construction restrictions, and barking dog limits vary widely between cities.
Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsShreveport 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.
Construction Hours
Some RestrictionsShreveport permits construction during standard daytime hours. Construction is generally allowed from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays. Sunday construction in residential areas is restricted.
Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsShreveport addresses barking dogs under Chapter 14 (Animals and Fowl). Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors constitutes a nuisance. Shreveport Animal Services handles complaints.
🏠 Short-Term Rentals
If you plan to rent out your home on Airbnb or VRBO - even occasionally - you need to know the local STR rules before listing.
Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsShreveport's Unified Development Code Article 23 caps Type A short-term rentals (renting a portion of a dwelling or accessory dwelling unit) at two adults per bedroom. Type B-1 permits (renting an entire dwelling) are capped at ten adults. A Type B-2 designation applies whenever a Type B exceeds ten adults or sits within 500 feet of another permitted STR.
Insurance Requirements
Some RestrictionsShreveport's Unified Development Code Article 23 requires every short-term rental applicant to provide proof of liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 in coverage as part of the Type A or Type B permit application filed with the Shreveport-Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission.
Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsSTR guests must use designated parking. Guest vehicles must comply with local parking restrictions and not block driveways or fire hydrants.
Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsShreveport 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.
Noise Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShort-term rental guests must comply with Shreveport's noise ordinance. Quiet hours apply from 10 PM to 6 AM, and the responsible party must respond to complaints promptly.
Taxes & Fees
Heavy RestrictionsShreveport requires STR operators to collect and remit hotel-motel occupancy tax. The tax applies to all stays of less than 30 consecutive days.
🔥 Fire Regulations
Fire pit rules, fireworks restrictions, and brush clearance requirements are especially important if you are coming from a state with different fire risk profiles.
Fireworks
Some RestrictionsShreveport 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.
Outdoor Burning
Some RestrictionsShreveport regulates outdoor burning through the fire code. Residential burning of leaves and yard debris may be permitted with conditions, but burning trash is prohibited.
Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsShreveport allows recreational fire pits with restrictions. Pits must maintain clearance from structures, be attended at all times, and burn only approved fuels.
🚗 Parking Rules
Parking rules catch more new residents off guard than almost any other ordinance. RV storage, overnight parking bans, and driveway regulations vary significantly.
Street Parking Limits
Some RestrictionsShreveport enforces parking regulations on public streets. Vehicles may not be parked in the same location for extended periods. Posted restrictions apply in various areas.
RV & Boat Parking
Some RestrictionsShreveport restricts parking of recreational vehicles and boats on public streets and in residential front yards. RVs and boats should be stored behind the front building line.
Driveway Rules
Some RestrictionsShreveport requires vehicles to park on improved surfaces. Parking on front lawns is prohibited. Driveways must meet city standards for width and materials.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShreveport restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential zones. Heavy trucks and vehicles with commercial equipment face overnight parking restrictions.
🧱 Fence Regulations
Planning to put up a fence? Height limits, material restrictions, and permit requirements differ by city - and sometimes by which side of the property the fence sits on.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsShreveport follows Louisiana state law for boundary fences. Under Louisiana Civil Code, both neighbors share the cost of a common fence on the property line.
Height Limits
Some RestrictionsShreveport 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.
Permit Requirements
Few RestrictionsStandard 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.
🐔 Animal Ordinances
Pet owners and aspiring chicken keepers should check local animal ordinances before signing a lease or closing on a home.
Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsShreveport 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.
Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsShreveport does not enforce breed-specific bans. Dogs are regulated based on individual behavior. Dogs declared dangerous or vicious face strict containment and insurance requirements.
Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsShreveport allows beekeeping with conditions. Hives must be set back from property lines and maintained to prevent nuisance conditions. Registration with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture is recommended.
Exotic Pets
Some RestrictionsShreveport and Louisiana regulate exotic animal ownership. Certain dangerous wild animals require permits. Primates and large predators are regulated under state law.
🌿 Landscaping Rules
From grass height limits to tree removal permits, landscaping rules can surprise new homeowners, especially in drought-prone areas with water restrictions.
Grass Height Limits
Heavy RestrictionsShreveport requires property owners to maintain vegetation under Chapter 58 (Nuisances). Grass and weeds exceeding 12 inches are considered a nuisance subject to city abatement.
Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShreveport may impose water conservation restrictions during drought conditions. The Shreveport Water and Sewer Department manages water use regulations.
Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsShreveport requires property owners to maintain trees that overhang public rights-of-way. Branches must provide adequate clearance over sidewalks and streets.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Some RestrictionsShreveport protects certain trees through its development code. Removing trees in development areas may require mitigation. Heritage trees and trees in historic districts have additional protections.
💼 Home Business
Working from home is common, but running a business from home often requires permits and must comply with zoning restrictions on customer traffic and signage.
Zoning Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShreveport allows home occupations in residential zones under Article 6 of the Unified Development Code. The business must be secondary to residential use and comply with operational limits.
Signage Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHome businesses in Shreveport may not display commercial signage visible from the street. No exterior advertising of home occupations is permitted in residential zones.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Some RestrictionsHome businesses in Shreveport must limit customer visits to avoid disrupting residential areas. Client traffic must not exceed normal residential levels.
🏊 Swimming Pools & Spas
Pool ownership comes with safety fencing requirements, permit obligations, and drainage rules that vary by jurisdiction.
Above-Ground Pools
Some RestrictionsAbove-ground pools in Shreveport must meet barrier and safety requirements. Pools holding more than 18 inches of water need compliant barriers.
Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShreveport 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.
Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsShreveport requires pool barriers per the adopted building code. Residential pools must have a fence at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates.
🏗️ Accessory Structures
Thinking about an ADU, shed, or garage conversion? Local rules on accessory structures have changed rapidly in recent years, especially in California.
Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsShreveport'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. They are permitted only in the interior side, corner side, or rear yard.
ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsShreveport permits accessory dwelling units in certain zoning districts under the Unified Development Code. ADUs must comply with setback and lot coverage requirements.
Shed Rules
Few RestrictionsSmall sheds under 200 square feet may not require a building permit in Shreveport. Larger structures need permits and must meet setback requirements.
Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsShreveport allows garage conversions with a building permit. The converted space must meet building code standards for habitable rooms. Parking requirements may apply.
🌍 Environmental Rules
Overall: What to Expect in Shreveport
Shreveport has 38 ordinances on file across 11 categories. Of these, 4 are rated permissive, 25 moderate, and 9 strict. This gives you a general sense of how tightly regulated daily life is in Shreveport compared to other cities.
Rules can change, and enforcement varies. Always verify specific requirements with the city directly before making major decisions like building a fence, listing on Airbnb, or starting a home business.