Shreveport, LA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

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

Street address

505 Travis St., Government Plaza, Suite 130, Shreveport, LA 71101

Phone

318-673-6100

permits@shreveportla.gov

Coverage

All properties within the incorporated City of Shreveport.

Online portal

MyGovernmentOnline (MGO)

MyGovernmentOnline

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Shreveport

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Painting

Exempt

Flooring

Exempt

Exempt Painting
Exempt Flooring

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

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

Building code: Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code and local ordinances through the Permits & Inspections Division
Permit validity: Work covered by a permit must commence within six months after issuance or the permit becomes void.
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.

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

§ 03

Application process

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

01

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.
02

Create a MyGovernmentOnline account and start the applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, fence, roof, driveway, generator, pool, or accessory structure application.
03

Upload plans, specifications, and any required site plan. Two complete plan sets are typically required.
04

Staff routes plans for building-code, drainage, flood, fire, and zoning review as applicable.
05

Pay permit fees once approved.
06

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2026

Fee type

Amount

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

Online payment available through MyGovernmentOnline. Permit fees must be paid before issuance.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

MyGovernmentOnline portal (online)
318-673-6100 (phone)

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

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

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Shreveport permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Shreveport, LA? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Shreveport, LA? ▸

Building permit fees in Shreveport, LA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Shreveport, LA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Shreveport, LA, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Shreveport, LA? ▸

Building permit processing times in Shreveport, LA typically run Simple complete projects often one to two days; projects needing State Fire Marshal review may take two to three weeks.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Shreveport, LA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Shreveport, LA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Shreveport, LA via: MyGovernmentOnline portal, 318-673-6100.

last verified April 2026 source City of Shreveport Department of Public Works, Division of Permits & Inspections ↗ entry id permits/louisiana/caddo/shreveport

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Shreveport Department of Public Works, Division of Permits & Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Shreveport

Other jurisdictions in Caddo Parish.