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Shreveport, LA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

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

Key Facts

Rainwater harvesting ordinance
None
Permit for a rain barrel
Not required
Real constraint
Stagnant water nuisance, Sec. 38-51
Enforcing department
Property Standards
Indoor plumbing connection
State plumbing code applies

Summary

Shreveport's code contains no rainwater-harvesting ordinance, no permit and no cistern rules. Rain barrels are lawful. The binding constraint is the Property Standards Code's stagnant-water and mosquito-breeding provisions, which reach any open or uncovered container of standing water.

to eliminate, fill up, or remove stagnant pools of water or any other unsanitary thing, place or condition which might become a breeding place for mosquitoes, flies, vermin and germs that are harmful to the health of the community

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

Shreveport sits in a humid subtropical climate with heavy annual rainfall, and neither the Municipal Code nor the Unified Development Code regulates capturing roof runoff. Louisiana imposes no state restriction on collecting rainwater on your own property. What does apply is Chapter 38, Division 6, Stagnant Water and Unsanitary Conditions: Section 38-51(c) empowers the city's administrative hearing officer to order the removal of stagnant water that could breed mosquitoes. Chapter 38's nuisance definition separately lists standing water in any receptacle. Keep barrels screened, sealed and drained. Plumbing a cistern into household fixtures triggers the Louisiana State Plumbing Code and city permitting under Chapter 22.

Violations & Fines

An uncovered barrel breeding mosquitoes draws a Property Standards notice of violation under Chapter 38, Division 6, with an order to eliminate the standing water and possible city abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rain barrels legal in Shreveport?
Yes. No city ordinance or state law restricts collecting roof runoff on your own property, and no permit is required for a standard barrel.
What can get me cited?
Letting collected water sit open. Section 38-51 lets the hearing officer order removal of stagnant water that could become a mosquito breeding place.
Can I use harvested rainwater indoors?
Connecting a cistern to household plumbing requires a permit through Chapter 22 building regulations and compliance with the Louisiana State Plumbing Code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Shreveport

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsCompostingSome RestrictionsNative PlantsFew RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesHeavy RestrictionsArtificial TurfSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesFew 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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