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Shreveport, LA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

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

Key Facts

Grass and weed limit
12 inches, vacant lots included
Wooded parcel buffer
Minimum 25-foot mowed buffer
First-offense fine
$150.00 plus costs
City abatement charge
$500.00 plus actual costs
Trash collection
None at vacant lots

Summary

Owners of vacant lots must cut grass and weeds once growth reaches 12 inches, clear vegetation on the abutting sidewalk, and keep junk and debris off the property. Wooded parcels beside developed lots need a mowed 25-foot buffer.

The owner, party in interest, lessee, or other person in control of any undeveloped, heavily wooded or otherwise inaccessible vacant property which is adjacent to or abutting developed lot(s) or tract(s) shall mow, cut or otherwise clear approximately a minimum of a 25-foot buffer between the developed and undeveloped tracts or acreage.

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

Sec. 38-61 applies the 12-inch limit to vacant lots and unoccupied property alike, requires trimming concrete curbs, and bars growth that encroaches on adjacent property, blocks a sidewalk, or obscures a driver's line of sight. Sec. 38-42 lets the city demolish or abate a nuisance on vacant property when the owner fails to act or cannot be located. The city collects no solid waste at vacant lots, so dumping there draws nuisance and litter enforcement. Abatement costs plus a $500.00 administrative charge become a lien recorded with the Caddo Parish clerk of court.

Violations & Fines

Sec. 38-61 penalties escalate at $150.00, $250.00, and $350.00 plus costs and administrative fees. Environmental court sets high grass and weeds at $150.00 first offense and $250.00 second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 12-inch grass rule apply to an empty lot I own?
Yes. Sec. 38-61 covers vacant lots and unoccupied property, and it also requires clearing growth on the abutting sidewalk regardless of height.
What if my vacant land is heavily wooded?
If it adjoins developed lots you must mow or clear a minimum 25-foot buffer between the developed and undeveloped tracts. The director may adjust that width case by case.
Can I get extra time to mow after a citation?
The director may grant seven additional days for good cause if you contact the department of property standards within three days of service of the citation or notice.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Shreveport

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsProperty BlightHeavy RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk ClearingFew 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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