Shreveport Storm Drain Ordinances for Property Owners

Utilities and Infrastructure Louisiana 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

Property owners in Shreveport, Louisiana are responsible for maintaining private storm drainage features, preventing debris and prohibited discharges, and reporting illicit connections or spills. This guide summarizes typical maintenance expectations, the city enforcement approach, and practical steps to inspect, clean, document, and report issues affecting public storm drains and the municipal stormwater system. It focuses on owner duties, prohibited discharges, and how to engage with City of Shreveport departments for inspections, permits, and complaints.

Keep records of inspection dates and photos when you maintain drains on your property.

Maintenance Schedule & Owner Responsibilities

Shreveport expects property owners to prevent blockages and control runoff from their properties to reduce flooding and pollution. Regular maintenance frequency depends on site conditions: high-debris areas require more frequent checks than landscaped residential lots.

  • Inspect catch basins and inlet grates at least twice yearly and after major storms.
  • Remove leaves, sediment, and trash that could enter the public drainage system.
  • Keep records of maintenance, contractor invoices, and before/after photos for two years.
  • Obtain any required erosion-control or construction permits before altering drainage patterns.
If you use a contractor to clean drains, get a dated invoice and photos as proof.

Illicit Discharge Rules

Illicit discharges are any non-stormwater flows entering the storm system, such as wastewater, vehicle washwater, commercial process water, used motor oil, or hazardous liquids. Property owners must prevent, stop, and report discharges that could reach street drains or waterways.

  • Prohibited: sanitary sewage, septic waste, or industrial process effluent to storm drains.
  • Prohibited: dumping used oil, paints, solvents, or hazardous chemicals into gutters or drains.
  • Allowed with controls: temporary, contained washwater from permitted activities when routed to sanitary or permitted treatment.
Report visible sheens or colored discharges to the city immediately.

Penalties & Enforcement

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page. City of Shreveport regulatory pages[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the enforcing office for current penalty schedules.
  • Escalation: the cited sources do not list detailed first/repeat/continuing ranges; escalation is typically addressed by notice, abatement orders, and additional fines.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work or abatement orders, required remediation, seizure of pollutants, and referral to municipal or state court.
  • Enforcer: City of Shreveport Public Works/Stormwater Division and Code Enforcement handle inspections and complaints; use official complaint pages to report issues.
  • Appeals/review: the cited pages do not list formal appeal time limits; follow directions on enforcement notices for appeal steps and deadlines.
  • Defences/discretion: permitted discharges, emergency spill responses, or approved variances may be considered; contact the enforcing office for guidance.
If you receive an enforcement notice, document corrective actions promptly and ask about appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

No specific stormwater enforcement fine schedule or dedicated application form is published on the cited page; contact Development Services or Public Works to confirm whether a permit or form is required for your activity.

FAQ

Who enforces stormwater and illicit discharge rules in Shreveport?
The City of Shreveport Public Works/Stormwater Division and Code Enforcement handle inspections, complaints, and enforcement; contact their official complaint page for reports.
What should I do if I see a spill or illegal dumping into a storm drain?
Report the incident to the City of Shreveport immediately, provide location and photos, and avoid contact with hazardous materials.
Are property owners required to have a written maintenance schedule?
Owners are expected to maintain drains; a formal written schedule is recommended but not explicitly required on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Inspect your property drains and inlets after storms and at least twice per year, and take dated photos.
  2. Remove debris safely or hire a licensed contractor; keep invoices and before/after photos as records.
  3. Contain and properly dispose of oils, paints, and chemicals—do not wash them into gutters.
  4. Report illicit discharges or visible pollution to the City of Shreveport complaint page and follow any instructions from inspectors.
Documenting your maintenance and any communications with the city helps if enforcement questions arise.

Key Takeaways

  • Inspect drains regularly and after storms to prevent blockages.
  • Never discharge wastewater, used oil, or hazardous liquids to storm drains.
  • Report illicit discharges to City of Shreveport Public Works promptly.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Shreveport official website - stormwater and regulatory pages

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