Overview: Are STRs allowed in Shreveport, LA?

• Yes. Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Shreveport under the City’s ordinances and Unified Development Code (UDC), subject to permitting, licensing, safety, zoning, and operational requirements. The legal framework is codified in Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances (enacted 2021) and Article 23 of the Shreveport UDC. Properties must be within City of Shreveport limits (or alternatively, within Caddo Parish if using the separate parish process). All STRs must obtain a City-issued Short-Term Rental Permit and an Occupational License before advertising or operating.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Shreveport

• Confirm jurisdiction:

  • If the property is in the City of Shreveport, use the City STR permitting pathway.
  • If the property is in unincorporated Caddo Parish, use the Caddo Parish STR pathway (separate application). Start with the “Choose STR Jurisdiction” tool to route you correctly.

• Verify zoning and eligibility:

  • Confirm the property is in an allowable zoning district per the UDC Use Matrix and is one of the permitted residential structure types (single-family detached/attached, two-family, multi-family, townhouse, accessory dwelling unit, manufactured home).
  • Check for special constraints (e.g., historic districts, flood zones, or underlying district rules).

• Pre-screen for proximity and capacity triggers:

  • Use the official STR map to determine if the property is within 500 feet of an existing registered STR.
  • If it is within 500 feet, or if occupancy would exceed ten adults, the application is classified as “Type B-2” and requires Special Exception Use (SEU) approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) before the STR permit can be issued.

• Complete the permitting sequence:

  • Step 1: Obtain an Occupational License (City business license).
  • Step 2: Assemble required documents (see “Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines”).
  • Step 3: If Type B-2 is required, file and obtain SEU approval first.
  • Step 4: Apply for the STR Permit via the City’s Deckard portal (choose “Short-Term Rental Application”).
  • Step 5: Await administrative or ZBA review (depending on type) and permit issuance.

• Launch operations:

  • Display the STR permit onsite.
  • Include the STR permit number in all online advertisements.
  • Collect and remit all applicable sales and occupancy taxes.
  • Maintain compliance with operational rules, safety standards, and neighborhood notifications.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short-Term Rental Permit (Type A, Type B-1, or Type B-2)
• Occupational License
  • City of Shreveport Occupational License (via the City Revenue Collections; email submissions allowed).
  • Contact Finance/Revenue for assistance and questions: (318) 673-5400.
• Liability Insurance
  • Proof of insurance meeting City risk manager requirements must be maintained continuously.
• Proof of Ownership or Letter from Owner
  • Use Caddo Parish Tax Assessor records to verify ownership.
• Site Plan/Property Plan
  • Must show parking, floor plan, and fire safety details.
• Neighborhood Notification Letter and Recipient List
  • Provide a copy of the required notice and a list of all adjacent property owners/organizations notified.
• Zoning/Special Exception Use (Type B-2)
  • If within 500 feet of another STR or exceeding ten adults, obtain SEU approval through the Special Exception Use process; then reference the approved SEU permit number in the STR application.

Permit Types, Fees, Renewal, and Occupancy Caps

• Type A
  • Renting a portion of a dwelling unit (e.g., a bedroom) or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
  • Occupancy: maximum two adults per bedroom; host may live on site.
  • Application fee: $150 (non-refundable).
• Type B-1
  • Renting an entire dwelling unit; total adult occupancy does not exceed ten.
  • Administrative approval by Zoning Administrator.
  • Application fee: $250 (non-refundable).
• Type B-2
  • Entire unit with >10 adults, or located within 500 feet of another registered STR.
  • Requires Special Exception Use (SEU) approval by the ZBA before STR permit issuance.
  • Application fee: $250 (non-refundable).
  • Special Exception fee: $350 (non-refundable).
• Renewal
  • STR permits expire two years from issuance.
  • Renewal fee: $100 (non-refundable).
  • Submit renewal at least 30 days prior to expiration.
  • Renewal requires records of two years of compliance plus tax reporting.

Advertising and Display Requirements

• Place a copy of the STR Permit on the property.
• Display the STR permit number in all online advertisements (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.).
• Any property found operating without a permit is subject to fines and penalties.

Specific City, County, and State Regulations (Shreveport and Louisiana)

City of Shreveport – STR Ordinance (Chapter 106)

• Purpose and scope: Establishes regulations, standards, and permit registration for renting residential units on a short-term basis, while collecting applicable hotel occupancy and sales taxes.
• Definitions:
  • Short-term rental: Use and enjoyment of a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, by guests for less than 30 consecutive days in exchange for compensation. Hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts are excluded.
  • Owner: A person owning at least 50% interest in the dwelling unit used for short-term rentals.
• Permits and licenses required:
  • Occupational License (City) and STR Permit (Type A or Type B).
• Zoning and residential type restrictions:
  • STRs must be in an allowed zoning district (Use Matrix) and permitted residential structure types.
• Operational regulations:
  • Compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
  • Health and safety standards per UDC.
  • Signage must comply with UDC sign requirements.
  • Prevent disruption to adjacent property owners; maintain quiet enjoyment.
  • Abide by noise and waste management provisions (Code Chapter 58).
  • No overnight occupancy beyond permitted maximum capacity.
  • Liability insurance must be maintained.
  • Safety and life-safety:
    • Smoke alarms required per Code Chapter 30.
    • Two means of escape required for dwellings with two or more rooms.
    • Hard-wired smoke alarms in sleeping rooms; battery-powered devices allowed if reliability is demonstrated.
    • Carbon monoxide alarms/detectors required where communicating attached garages exist or where fuel-burning appliances/fireplaces are present.
    • One 2-A10BC portable fire extinguisher mounted within 10 feet of the cooking area, maintained per NFPA 10.
    • No compensation/remuneration for occupancy fewer than 24 hours.
• Application timing:
  • Apply at least 30 days before beginning STR operations.
• Permit portability:
  • Permits are non-transferable; changes in ownership require a new permit.
• Fees and duration:
  • Type A: $150; Type B: $250; permits expire two years after issuance.
• Renewal:
  • Renewal every two years for $100, with compliance records and tax reporting for the prior two years. Submit at least 30 days before expiration.
• Tax collection:
  • Operators must collect and remit sales and occupancy taxes in accordance with City ordinances.
  • Hosting platforms that facilitate payment must collect and remit applicable local taxes and city fees for bookings.
  • Even if a platform collects taxes, owners remain responsible for any taxes/fees owed.
• Violations and enforcement:
  • Failure to register within 30 days of offering the property for STR use: $100 civil penalty.
  • Each additional day listed or operated without registration: $50/day civil penalty.
  • The City may waive penalties if failure was without fault; however, operation must cease until the penalty is paid and the property is registered.
  • Enforcement can be initiated by the City through administrative, civil, or other lawful means.

City of Shreveport – Zoning and Use Matrix (UDC)

• Allowed zoning districts and residential structure types:
  • Permitted in all residential districts (except R-MHP), certain commercial districts (where multifamily or above-ground-floor dwellings are allowed), downtown sub-districts (except D-1-HC), and I-MU (Industrial Mixed Use).
  • Residential structure types include single-family detached/attached, two-family, multi-family, townhouse, ADU (as allowed by the Use Matrix), and manufactured homes.
  • Some ADUs may require an Administrative Special Use Permit; contact the MPC for case-by-case guidance.

Caddo Parish – Alternative Pathway

• If your property is in unincorporated Caddo Parish (outside City limits), a separate STR permitting process applies through the MPC.
• Confirm jurisdiction via the “Choose Short-Term Rental Jurisdiction” tool and follow the parish application materials.

State of Louisiana – State-Level Requirements

• Louisiana has no comprehensive statewide STR licensing/permitting regime; regulation is primarily local.
• Tax obligations:
  • State sales tax applies; local lodging/occupancy taxes and parish/city sales taxes also apply.
  • Operators must register with the appropriate state and local tax authorities and comply with reporting and remittance requirements.
• Platforms:
  • Major booking platforms may collect and remit certain taxes in some Louisiana jurisdictions, but operators remain responsible for ensuring full compliance with all applicable taxes.

Contact Information (Shreveport/Caddo Parish)

• Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) – Short-Term Rentals
  • Phone: (318) 673-6480
  • Address: 505 Travis Street, Government Plaza – Suite 440, Shreveport, LA 71101
  • Email: Use the MPC contact form or staff directory (links below).
  • Website: Short-Term Rental information and application portal (links below).
  • Staff directory: Contact staff directly for zoning verification, SEU processes, and permitting.
• City of Shreveport Finance/Revenue Collections – Occupational License
  • Phone: (318) 673-5400
  • Email: revenue@shreveportla.gov
• Caddo-Shreveport Sales and Use Tax Commission (tax questions)
  • Phone: (318) 865-3312

Links to Source Pages and Tools

• Shreveport STR Permit overview and application: www.shreveportcaddompc.com/about-us/services/applications/short-term-rental-271
• STR application portal (Deckard): shreveport-la-str.deckard.com/
• Choose STR jurisdiction (City vs. Parish): www.shreveportcaddompc.com/about-us/choose-your-str-type
• Official STR map (500-foot buffer and existing STR locations): shreveport.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2be7c574a37f465182c76917bd7c1340
• Occupational License (City): www.shreveportla.gov/286/Occupational-License-Tax
• Property ownership verification (Caddo Parish Assessor): caddoassessor.org/
• Article 23 – Short-Term Rental Property (ordinance/guidesheet): www.shreveportcaddompc.com/home/showpublisheddocument/2244/638926604238370000
• Short-Term Rental Guidesheet: www.shreveportcaddompc.com/home/showpublisheddocument/1561/637695369800800000
• ZBA meeting dates and deadlines (for SEU): shreveportcaddompc.prod.govaccess.org/home/showpublisheddocument/15389/638696101557430000
• MPC Boards & Commissions – upcoming events (ZBA/MPC): shreveportcaddompc.prod.govaccess.org/boards-commissions/upcoming-events
• MPC Staff Directory (emails/contacts): www.shreveportcaddompc.com/about-us/staff-directory
• City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances (online): www.shreveportla.gov/codes/city-of-shreveport-code-of-ordinances

Action Checklist for Investors

• Confirm property is in the City of Shreveport (or decide if Parish applies).
• Verify zoning district and permitted residential structure type.
• Check the STR map for the 500-foot buffer and plan for SEU if triggered.
• Obtain Occupational License; assemble proof of ownership, insurance, site plan, and neighborhood notification materials.
• If SEU is required, file and obtain approval first; then submit the STR application.
• Submit STR permit application via Deckard; track application number (APP-MPC-####).
• Receive STR permit; display onsite and in all ads.
• Set up tax registration and remittance; confirm reporting cadence.
• Maintain safety features (smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguisher, two means of escape).
• Monitor occupancy limits; document compliance; prepare for renewal at least 30 days before expiration.

Note on Accuracy and Updates

• Fees, ordinances, and administrative processes can change. Always confirm current requirements with the MPC, ZBA, and the City’s Revenue Collections before acquiring or converting a property. This guide is current to the provided sources and is intended for investors planning STR operations in Shreveport, Louisiana.