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Shreveport, LA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

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

Key Facts

Zoning status
Permitted by right, residential districts
City standard
UDC Section 6.1.M.3
Registration threshold
Six or fewer children
State license threshold
Seven or more children
State licensing agency
Louisiana Department of Education

Summary

Shreveport's Unified Development Code permits a day care home by right in every residential zoning district. The single zoning condition is that the dwelling keep its original residential appearance. Child counts and safety standards come from Louisiana, not the city.

A day care home must maintain its original appearance as a residential dwelling.

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

A day care home is a distinct UDC use, defined as a residential dwelling where a permanent occupant provides care for children or functionally-impaired adults not related to the operator. It is not treated as a home-based business, so the four-customer cap in Section 7.3.O does not apply. Section 6.1.M.3 imposes one requirement: the home must maintain its original appearance as a residential dwelling. State law then governs scale. Caring for six or fewer children in a private residence makes you a family child care provider registered under La. R.S. 17:407.61 et seq. Seven or more unrelated children makes the operation an early learning center requiring a Louisiana Department of Education license.

Violations & Fines

Exterior alterations that erase the residential appearance are a UDC zoning violation. Exceeding six children without a state early learning center license is enforced by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a zoning change to open a day care home in Shreveport?
No. The UDC use matrix lists Day Care Home as permitted in residential districts. Section 6.1.M.3 requires only that the dwelling keep its residential appearance.
How many children can I watch before I need a state license?
Six or fewer in a private residence is a family child care provider under R.S. 17:407.61. Seven or more unrelated children requires an early learning center license.
Can I put up a sign for my day care home?
No. The home must maintain its original appearance as a residential dwelling, which rules out signage or displays that advertise the use from the street.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Shreveport

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesHeavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic RestrictionsSome 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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