The City of Shreveport's permitting guide makes most fences simple: "fences not over 7 feet high" are exempt from a building permit. The same line adds a reminder to check with Zoning.
What that means
- A typical 4- to 6-foot fence needs no building permit.
- Zoning rules (placement, setbacks, corner visibility) still apply; call the Zoning Office at (318) 673-6442.
- Taller fences go through Permits and Inspections, (318) 673-6100.
- Where a permit is required, miscellaneous residential work, which includes fences, is charged $4.25 per $1,000 of the contract amount.
- Starting work that needed a permit without one doubles the fee, and other penalties may apply.
Overlays
A Metropolitan Planning Commission planner (318-673-6480) can tell you whether your lot sits in an overlay, such as a Historic Preservation Overlay District, that adds review.
Neighbors and the property line
Louisiana's Civil Code presumes a boundary fence is common. Before putting one on the line, talk with your neighbor. See shared fences and neighbors.
811
Louisiana's former Department of Natural Resources told residents to call 811 before putting up a fence, with 48 hours' notice. It's free.
Sources
- City of Shreveport: Your Guide to Building Permits & Inspections and the Metropolitan Planning Commission (2026)
- Louisiana Civil Code Article 685: Common fences
- Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy (formerly DNR): Safe Digging Month Begins April 1 (April 1, 2011)
Checked November 10, 2026. Codes, statutes and prices change; see the linked source for the current text.