Caddo Parish, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies to rural Caddo Parish outside incorporated municipalities (excludes Greenwood and Vivian). The parish FAQ expressly notes these limitations.

Department

City of Shreveport Department of Public Works, Division of Permits & Inspections (for building permits); Parish of Caddo Public Works, Permits Department (for parish permits and 911 addressing)

Address

Building permits: 505 Travis St., Suite 130, Shreveport, LA 71101. Parish 911 addressing: contact Parish Public Works

Phone

Building permits: 318-673-6100; Parish Public Works: 318-226-6949

Website

https://caddo.gov/how-do-i-start-the-process-of-getting-a-911-address-2/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start with the City of Shreveport Permits Department for all addresses in rural Caddo Parish because the city performs parish inspections under internal agreement.
2. Submit the permit request through the city's online portal or visit the permit office at Government Plaza, Suite 130.
3. If a new rural address is needed, the permit request is electronically forwarded to the Caddo Parish 911 Addressing Office, which assigns the address after the request is made.
4. Obtain septic review from the Caddo Parish Health Department if applicable.
5. Obtain an MPC zoning certificate for a mobile home within five miles of the city, if applicable.
6. Return the required paperwork to the city permit office and proceed through permit issuance and inspections.

Source: City of Shreveport Department of Public Works, Division of Permits & Inspections (for building permits); Parish of Caddo Public Works, Permits Department (for parish permits and 911 addressing)

General Requirements

Building permits and inspections for unincorporated Caddo Parish run through the Shreveport permit office under the parish-city agreement. Permit triggers follow Shreveport rules for new construction, alterations, repairs, moves, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated trade systems.

Required Documents

• Legal description for 911 address work
• Permit request through the city
• Septic and zoning paperwork where applicable
• Plans and specifications required by the Shreveport permit process for building review

Permit validity

Work must commence within six months or the permit becomes void.

Building code

Louisiana Building Code; administered through the Shreveport permit office under parish agreement

Contractor requirements

Follow Shreveport trade-registration requirements and Louisiana state licensing rules for applicable work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50 residential/mobile home; $100 commercial/industrial under $500,000 for 911 address permit; Shreveport minimum permit fee is $31.50 for building permits

Plan check fee

25 percent of permit fee for plan review on new construction, remodels, and additions (Shreveport standard)

Permit fee formula

911 address permit uses flat fees; building permit fees follow the Shreveport ordinance-based schedule

Reinspection fee

$68.25 per inspection outside city limits; $68.25 reinspection fee

Payment note

Rural right-of-way and addressing permits are online only. Building permit payments are handled through the Shreveport permit system.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Painting
• Flooring

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with the City of Shreveport or Parish Public Works before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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

Inspection hours

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

Typical inspection sequence: Follows the Shreveport permit office sequence: foundation, framing, pre-finish, and final, plus trade inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Louisiana Building Code; administered through the Shreveport permit office under parish agreement
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Parish Public Works Permits/Addressing
• Rural 911 Address FAQ
• Shreveport Permit Office (Used for Unincorporated Parish)
• License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Caddo Parish Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Caddo Parish, LA?

Building permits and inspections for unincorporated Caddo Parish run through the Shreveport permit office under the parish-city agreement. Permit triggers follow Shreveport rules for new construction, alterations, repairs, moves, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated trade systems.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Caddo Parish, LA?

The minimum permit fee is $50 residential/mobile home; $100 commercial/industrial under $500,000 for 911 address permit; Shreveport minimum permit fee is $31.50 for building permits. Fees are calculated as: 911 address permit uses flat fees; building permit fees follow the Shreveport ordinance-based schedule. Plan check fee: 25 percent of permit fee for plan review on new construction, remodels, and additions (Shreveport standard).

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Caddo Parish, LA?

1. Start with the City of Shreveport Permits Department for all addresses in rural Caddo Parish because the city performs parish inspections under internal agreement. 2. Submit the permit request through the city's online portal or visit the permit office at Government Plaza, Suite 130. 3. If a new rural address is needed, the permit request is electronically forwarded to the Caddo Parish 911 Addressing Office, which assigns the address after the request is made. 4. Obtain septic review from the Caddo Parish Health Department if applicable. 5. Obtain an MPC zoning certificate for a mobile home within five miles of the city, if applicable. 6. Return the required paperwork to the city permit office and proceed through permit issuance and inspections.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Caddo Parish, LA?

The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Flooring. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with the City of Shreveport or Parish Public Works before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Caddo Parish, LA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: MyGovernmentOnline portal, 318-673-6100 (Shreveport).