City Building Permits

Shreveport, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Shreveport, Louisiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Louisiana Caddo Parish Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Shreveport.

Department
City of Shreveport Department of Public Works, Division of Permits & Inspections
Address
505 Travis St., Government Plaza, Suite 130, Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone
318-673-6100
Website
https://www.shreveportla.gov/473/Permits-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open MyGovernmentOnline (MGO)

Platform: MyGovernmentOnline • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Confirm zoning and site-plan needs with the Metropolitan Planning Commission if the project changes use, needs site-plan approval, or needs a certificate of occupancy.
  2. Create a MyGovernmentOnline account and start the applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, fence, roof, driveway, generator, pool, or accessory structure application.
  3. Upload plans, specifications, and any required site plan. Two complete plan sets are typically required.
  4. Staff routes plans for building-code, drainage, flood, fire, and zoning review as applicable.
  5. Pay permit fees once approved.
  6. Permit is issued after all required reviews are approved; applicants are notified by phone, fax, or letter.

Typical processing time: Simple complete projects often one to two days; projects needing State Fire Marshal review may take two to three weeks.

Source: City of Shreveport Department of Public Works, Division of Permits & Inspections

General Requirements

A permit is required whenever an owner, agent, or contractor proposes to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a structure, or construct/alter/repair/move listed building systems such as HVAC, boilers, electrical, elevators, furnaces, incinerators, plumbing and gas piping, signs, and sprinkler/fire extinguishing systems.

Required Documents

  • Two complete plan sets
  • Detailed plans and specifications
  • Site/plot plan
  • Floor plan
  • Elevations
  • Wall sections
  • Foundation plan
  • HVAC plans
  • Schedules for doors, windows, room finishes, and framing details
Permit validity
Work covered by a permit must commence within six months after issuance or the permit becomes void.
Building code
Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code and local ordinances through the Permits & Inspections Division
Owner-builder
Permits may be issued in the name of the applicant, but it is generally preferable for the contractor to apply so the contractor is responsible for corrections.
Contractor requirements
Local contractor registration is required for air conditioning/heating, electrical, and plumbing work. Electrical and HVAC contractors performing work over $10,000 must have a Louisiana master license. Commercial/industrial projects costing $50,000 or more must be built by a Louisiana-licensed contractor with insurance on file.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$31.50
Plan check fee
25 percent of permit fee for plan review on new construction, remodels, and additions
Permit fee formula
New residential construction: $0.13 per square foot for one-, two-, or three-unit dwellings; $0.21 per square foot for townhouses/patio homes; repairs/alterations/renovations: $4.20 per $1,000 of valuation; miscellaneous items such as fences, paving, retaining walls, and pools: $4.25 per $1,000
Reinspection fee
$68.25
Penalty (no permit)
Double permit fee plus $100 for work without permit; $500 plus permit fee for moving a structure into the city without a permit
Payment note
Online payment available through MyGovernmentOnline. Permit fees must be paid before issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Painting
  • Flooring

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with the Division of Permits & Inspections before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation before concrete, framing complete before finish materials, and final completion; electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections occur at similar stages.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Shreveport Department of Public Works, Division of Permits & Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shreveport Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Shreveport, LA?
A permit is required whenever an owner, agent, or contractor proposes to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a structure, or construct/alter/repair/move listed building systems such as HVAC, boilers, electrical, elevators, furnaces, incinerators, plumbing and gas piping, signs, and sprinkler/fire extinguishing systems.
How much does a building permit cost in Shreveport, LA?
The minimum permit fee is $31.50. Fees are calculated as: New residential construction: $0.13 per square foot for one-, two-, or three-unit dwellings; $0.21 per square foot for townhouses/patio homes; repairs/alterations/renovations: $4.20 per $1,000 of valuation; miscellaneous items such as fences, paving, retaining walls, and pools: $4.25 per $1,000. Plan check fee: 25 percent of permit fee for plan review on new construction, remodels, and additions.
How do I apply for a building permit in Shreveport, LA?
1. Confirm zoning and site-plan needs with the Metropolitan Planning Commission if the project changes use, needs site-plan approval, or needs a certificate of occupancy. 2. Create a MyGovernmentOnline account and start the applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, fence, roof, driveway, generator, pool, or accessory structure application. 3. Upload plans, specifications, and any required site plan. Two complete plan sets are typically required. 4. Staff routes plans for building-code, drainage, flood, fire, and zoning review as applicable. 5. Pay permit fees once approved. 6. Permit is issued after all required reviews are approved; applicants are notified by phone, fax, or letter.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Shreveport, LA?
Typical processing time is Simple complete projects often one to two days; projects needing State Fire Marshal review may take two to three weeks..
What work is exempt from building permits in Shreveport, LA?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Flooring. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with the Division of Permits & Inspections before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Shreveport, LA?
Inspections can be scheduled via: MyGovernmentOnline portal, 318-673-6100.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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