FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you cannot find the answer below, please use the contact form or send us an email to dda@downtownshreveport.com

Street/Sidewalk Vendors are allowed in downtown Shreveport provided they meet certain criteria established by City of Shreveport Ordinance.

The application process is governed by the Sidewalk Vendor Committee that has established guidelines to ensure continuity, public safety, and cleanliness.

Applicants must complete the application and meet all requirements/specifications stated in the application. For questions regarding required documentation and location selection, contact the DDA office at (318) 222-7403.

Food Truck permits are not handled by this office.  Per city ordinance, a food truck vendor’s license is issued by the City’s Director of Finance.  You may contact the City of Shreveport Revenue Division at 318-673-5585 for additional information.

STREET VENDOR DOCUMENTATION

Full Applications 

Single Sections:

QUICK SUMMARY OF CITY ORDINANCE NO. 155 OF 1998

Ordinance No. 155 of 1998 Amends Article IX of Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport relative to Peddlers, Solicitors, Itinerant Vendors and Sidewalk Vendors. Sidewalk Vendor means any person, firm or corporation, including its agents and employees, which engages in the
business in the city of selling or offering for sale any goods
or merchandise or exhibiting the same for sale or for the
purpose of taking orders for the sale thereof on the sidewalks
of the city. It shall also include persons engaging in performing
arts on the sidewalks of the city in return for money where
staging or electrical amplification is used. It shall not include
the placing and maintenance of unattended stands or sales
devices for the sale, display or offering for sale of newspapers,
magazines, periodicals, and paperbound books.

THE INTENT OF THE COUNCIL IN ENACTING THIS ORDINANCE

(1) To serve and protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public;
(2) To establish a uniform set of rules and regulations
that are fair and equitable;
(3) To develop a vending system that will enhance the
overall appearance and environment along public
streets and pedestrian ways in the B-4 district;
(4) To provide economic development opportunities to
small entrepreneurs in the City; and
(5) To promote stable vendors who will enrich the City’s
ambiance and be assets to public security.

SCHEDULE AND LICENSE FEES

(1) 30 days — $20

(2) 60 days — $40

(3) 90 days — $60

(4) 180 days– $75

(5) One Year- $100

The Street Performer Ordinance allows street performers to entertain pedestrians in specified locations in the Downtown Development District for non-solicited tips. Passing the hat or asking for money is not allowed. The performer will be allowed to have a box or musical case open to show that donations will be accepted, but those funds cannot be solicited.

• A Performance Permit will be required. The Permit is $30 and will be renewed and reviewed annually. Each member of the group will have his/her own permit.
• Performances may take place between 10am-10pm daily.
• Performers may perform at any of the approved locations on a first come first served basis, and may move from one location to another within the approved areas. Performers shall stay at least 50 feet from other performers, with the first performer at a location each day taking precedence on that day. Performers shall stay at least 50 feet away from any festival or outdoor event sanctioned by the City in Festival Plaza, Shreveport Common or any other downtown venue.
• Performances will be acoustic only ( no speakers or boom-boxes).
• Performers cannot block sidewalks or pedestrian passage.
• Mind your noise level. Performances should be thoughtful to those office workers and businesses nearby. Allowable noise levels are established by Article II, Division I of Chapter 58 of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances.

Performance Permits are issued for the Downtown Development District by the Downtown Development Authority. Further information is available at 318-222-7403 or at www.downtownshreveport.com.

Download the application HERE.

Streetscape pole banners are overseen by the Downtown Development Authority as a visual enhancement for the Downtown Development District. There are approximately 350 streetlight poles in the DDD that are appropriate for banners. These locations are available to non-profits and governmental entities on a first-come, first-served basis.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. WHAT ARE THE BANNER MEASUREMENTS?

Click to view measurement information

2. WHO PAYS FOR THE BANNERS?

You or your organization.

3. HOW MANY BANNERS DO WE HAVE TO GET?

There are approximately 350 banner poles downtown, but you don’t have to get that many! If your event is on Texas Street, you may want to hang only along that area. If you will give us details and location of your event, we will make a suggestion to you about the number of banners and locations to ensure maximum exposure for your event.

4. WHO OWNS THE BANNERS AFTERWARD?

You do. Once the banners are taken down, you can store them for the next year. We would encourage that you not put dates on your banners so that they can be used for multiple years.

5. WHO PAYS TO PUT THEM UP?

The DDA will bill you an hourly rate based on the number of banners hung and taken down. The fee is $15 per hour per employee. If your banners have to be removed for a short time for another event, you will NOT be charged for the re-hanging.

6. WHO MAKES THE BANNERS?

We have several local companies who have done good work in the past and we would urge you to check with them, but ultimately you can use anyone you would like. The specifications that the company will need are included in this email. No matter which vendor you use, we recommend that you have one banner produced as a prototype to be sure it fits the banner arm and has the grommets correctly positioned before proceeding with the full order.

7. WHO CAN REQUEST BANNERS?

Non-profits and governmental entities in the Downtown Development District to promote events, projects, exhibitions and shows, special conventions and meetings, pageants and the like.

8. WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE BANNERS?

Overt business advertising, political messages, electioneering, or anything that does not have a “G” rating (appropriate for all ages) overall.

9. HOW LONG WILL MY BANNERS STAY UP?

If you are promoting a special event, we will work with you to get your banners up at least several weeks in advance of your event and will take the banners down after the event has concluded. If your event is ongoing throughout a several month period, we will work to keep your banners up as long as possible, but may have to remove them and replace them to make way for others who have requested space. You will not be charged for any banner removal and re-hanging.

10. DOES THE DDA NEED TO SEE MY BANNER DESIGN?

In some cases in which we believe advertising will be present, we will ask to see the banner design prior to your banner run.

11. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

Drive around and look at the banners that are up and see which ones stand out and are the most legible. Remember that color attracts attention and that most people will give the banner a 2-second look, so your design needs to be clear, uncluttered and large.

In October 2012, the Downtown Development Authority partnered with State Fire Marshal Butch Browning, the City of Shreveport, the State of Louisiana, SWEPCO and others to unveil a commonsense process of rehabilitating historic downtown buildings. This so-called Performance Code works by bringing everyone together before the first plan is drawn and first construction dollar spent.

The partners  (State Fire Marshal, City Permits & Inspections, City Fire Prevention, MPC/ZBA, State of Louisiana DOTD, SWEPCO) will provide an opportunity for aPreliminary Review to walk through a developer’s plans for his/her building. ThisPreliminary Review will give all sides the opportunity to ask questions, identify potential problems and expenses, and brainstorm ways to make safe, commmon-sense tradeoffs that will allow the historic building to return to use. After the Preliminary Review is completed, the developer/owner will have a better sense of what difficulties may be encountered and the best ways in which to deal with them. In addition, the partners will schedule a Courtesy Walkthrough of the downtown property which will also assist in identifying potential areas of concern.

The Downtown Development Authority will work to keep the lines of communication open between the developer/owner and the partners and in getting timely responses to the developer’s questions. To schedule a Preliminary Review, contact the DDA at 318-222-7403.

At the Performance Code unveiling in October, Don Zeringue, the Chief Architect at the State Fire Marshal’s Baton Rouge office, presented a PowerPoint outlining some opportunities in the rehabilitation of older buildings.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) offers $150 programming mini-grants to organizations or individuals wishing to put on events that are open to the public that promote development in the Downtown Development District and are held in the Downtown Development District.

The goal of the grant is to encourage events in downtown Shreveport to show off the history and culture of our urban core. It is not available to events that are fundraisers, political gatherings or events which are not open to the general public. Events that are free to the general public will be given preference, as will those events that attract a diverse range of participation and promote downtown building sales, business  and job creation in Downtown Shreveport.

The DDA has the right to refuse any applicant if it is deemed the event does not fall under the goals of the Programming Grant.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

Application & Information (word doc)
Application & Information (pdf)

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

  • The event must be held in the Downtown Development District
  • Events can be fee-based or free, but free events are given preference
  • Existing events adding enhancements can qualify
  • First-time events can qualify
  • Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Grant applications will be judged on a number of criteria including the amount of matching funding, creativity of event, potential impact of event, marketing of event and how well the event meshes with the DDA Mission Statement- To actively pursue, support, facilitate and welcome initiatives that aid and encourage private development, and promote and coordinate public development within the Downtown Development District of Shreveport, LA
  • All necessary insurance and security must be provided by each event.
  • Event organizers must work with Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation’s Festival Task Force and/or police department on road closures and other issues.
  • Event must agree to use DDA logo on all materials and to link to the DDA website at www.downtownshreveport.com
  • Event organizer must complete a Grant Application and provide contact information
  • Event must be listed in the Shreveport-Bossier Fun Guide
  • Funds cannot be used for events restricted to private or exclusive participation.
  • Organizer must turn in any surveys that they are asked to complete
  • Organizer is limited to one Downtown Development Authority mini-grant every 6 months.

SUBMIT COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO:

Downtown Development Authority
416 Cotton Street
Shreveport, LA 71101

Fax:  318-222-3731

Email: dda@downtownshreveport.com

DSDC is committed to assisting in the revitalization of downtown Shreveport. One of the ways we can help is through our low-interest loan program. This financial incentive is designed to provide rehabilitation funds to property owners and small businesses interested in renovating downtown’s older buildings.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION (PDF)

TARGETED USES ARE:

  • Facade Restoration
  • Residential Development
  • Roof Repair/Replacement
  • Sidewalk Improvements
  • Sign Repair/Replacement/Creation
  • Special Equipment
  • Landscaping

TARGETED BUSINESSES INCLUDE:

  • Grocery store or market
  • Gas station
  • Retail stores
  • Antique stores
  • Art galleries
  • Office renovations in historic buildings
  • Single/multifamily residential development
NOTE: BECAUSE OF THE HISTORIC INSTABILITY OF THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY, LOANS TO RESTAURANTS AND BARS WILL BE CONSIDERED ONLY FOR EXTERIOR BUILDING TREATMENTS.

INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:

  • Loan packages are provided by the DSDC at 416 Cotton Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
  • Maximum loan amount: $100,000
  • Rate: Fixed 3.5%
  • Maximum term: 10 years – Loans to tenants leasing in downtown shall not extend beyond the initial lease term.
  • Loans are available for use only on properties within the Downtown Development District
  • Funds are loaned on a first approved, first funded basis.
  • Collateral: Loans will be secured by collateral owned by the applicant. Collateral may include the building (if the owner is the borrower), personal property or other assets.
  • The State of Louisiana and the City of Shreveport sponsor a five-year tax abatement on the value of improvements to historic structures in the Downtown Development District. This incentive may be extended to an additional five years.
  • The State of Louisiana and the National Park Service offers a tax credit for properties in the Downtown Development District.
  • Because most of downtown Shreveport falls within a certified historic district, other tax incentives are available.
  • DSDC Loan terms, conditions, and requirements are subject to change without notice.

ParkMobile Questions

Park Mobile is an easy and convenient way to pay for on-street parking using a mobile phone or app.

  • No need to carry coins to pay for parking
  • Via Park Mobile you can pay for parking with credit or debit card, PayPal, Visa Checkout or with the Park Mobile Wallet. (cut your convenience fee by more than 40% by using Wallet)
  • Spend less time in the weather- pay for parking using your phone before you exit your car
  • Receive a reminder prior to your time expiring via mobile alerts
  • Extend your parking time remotely (up to the maximum time allowed)
  • When using Park Mobile, every meter becomes a 2-hour meter, with the option of a 3rd (bonus) hr.
  • Track your parking activity and sessions

Getting started is easy! All you need is a credit card, debit card or PayPal Acct.

  • Download the free Park Mobile app to your I-Phone or Android device and enter your license plate and payment information
  • Don’t have an iPhone or Android phone?  Sign up online by visiting www.parkmobile.com.

Parking transactions cannot be adjusted once started, so if you used the incorrect license plate number, you will need to start another session using the correct one. You can store up to five license plate numbers in your account.

You are allowed up to 5 individual vehicles on a passenger account. If you wish to add a temporary or dealer tag, regardless of state, please be sure to update the information in your Park Mobile account settings.

Yes! If you have a basic phone you can use Park Mobile by using the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to pay for your parking transactions:

  • First set up an account online at www.parkmobile.com using a computer or tablet.
  • Call 877-727-5988 to start your parking session
  • An interactive voice response (IVR) system will walk you through the payment process.

Parking transactions cannot be adjusted once started. You will need to start another parking session using the correct zone number.

You may be unable to extend your session if you are outside the zone’s hours of operation or due to a posted parking restriction. A parking session is limited to the time limit displayed on posted signs for that zone. Motorists should check rates, parking restrictions and signage to ensure they can legally park and in order to avoid a ticket. The app works under the same hours of operation as the meters.

Parking enforcement officers will look for your license plate number and zone number. If those two items are not in the system, you can be ticketed. Please make sure that your license plate information and zone number are correct before creating a parking session and complete your initial transaction before you leave your car to avoid being ticketed.

The Park Mobile app will provide notification to alert you prior to your session ending. Users can configure the app to provide app, text message or email notification at 30, 20, 15, 10 or 5 minutes prior to the end your session.

Yes.  Per City Ordinance, you must pay via coin, Park Card, or by app.  If you cannot pay by coin or Park Card you must pay by app.  To pay by app, please locate the Zone # for that block at a nearby sign or a meter on the same block.

Yes! Parking spaces on each side of the street in that block will use the same zone number. When initiating your transaction, please confirm your session details, including the correct zone number, because once started, the zone cannot be changed.  You must pay at the meter or via app, in accordance with City Ordinance.

You can view your active parking session from the app or online at www.parkmobile.com. The app provides a countdown clock of time left on your active transaction, as well as any time extension options that are available.

The parking zone number is prominently displayed on each parking meter, and/or on street signage at each beginning or end of the individual block.  They can also be found on the map in the Park Mobile app. You must pay at all on-street parking spaces- via coin or via app, in accordance with the City Ordinance.  Should you not be able to identify the zone number, you must pay at the meter.

No. Park Mobile is not a reservation system. It is an alternative payment system and should only be activated after you park your vehicle

Only if it is within the same zone. If not, you must start a new parking session using the new zone number.

No. Refunds for unused time are not available.

When using the Park Mobile app, every space is a 2-hour space.  In addition, you will have access to a 3rd (bonus) hour, once you have paid for 2 hours (either in one session or via extension).  The rate for the first 2 hours is identical to the rate at all meters- $0.50 per hr. The rate for the 3rd (bonus) hour is $1.50 per hr.

You can immediately start a new session by moving to another zone or block.  Each block has its own Zone #. Every space on that block will use the same Zone #.

If you purchase a parking session that is shorter than 2 hours, you will be prompted to extend your time before your session expires. If you wish to extend, simply follow the prompts in the app to extend up to 2 hours. Once you have paid for 2 hours, you will have access to a 3rd (bonus) hour.  The rate for the 3rd (bonus) hour is $1.50 per hr.

You must extend prior to the expiration of your original parking session.

The City of Shreveport enforces overtime parking regulations. If you choose to park in a space for longer than the posted time at the meter or 2 hours via app*, paid or not, you can be issued an “overtime” citation.  *3 hrs, if bonus hour is utilized.

Once your session expires, you will not be able to extend your parking session or use the Park Mobile app again in the same zone for 1 hour. This is to discourage overstaying time limits.

No, per City Ordinance, you are required to move your vehicle once you have used the maximum time allotted to that space.  When paying by coin or ParkCard, you must follow the maximum time limit posted on the meter, however, if you are using the Park Mobile app, each meter (even 30 min and 1 hr meters) will be 2 hour meters, with the option of a 3rd (bonus) hour.  Maximum time via Park Mobile is 2 hours if the bonus hour is not utilized.

You can only access the 3rd (bonus) hour once you have paid for 2 hours of parking.  Once you pay for 2 hours (either with max purchase or through extensions) you will be given access to the 3rd  (bonus) hour, via in-app extension.  By selecting the bonus hour, you accept the bonus hour rate of $1.50/hr.

You cannot stop a parking session once you’ve confirmed and started. Refunds will not be issued for unused time.

You can contact ShrevePark Parking Services at 318-222-0290 for the above issues.

When using the Park Mobile app, every space will be a 2 hr space, with the option of a 3rd (bonus) hr.

The City of Shreveport enforces overtime parking regulations. If you choose to park in a space for longer than the posted time at the meter or 3 hrs via app*, paid or not, you can be issued an “overtime” citation.  *2 hrs, if bonus hr is utilized.

No. once you have an account, you can use the same app/account in any city where Park Mobile is available, like Dallas, Houston and New Orleans

Effective June 1, 2022, there will be a $0.10 fee increase, bringing the convenience fee to $0.45 per transaction.  We encourage frequent users of the ParkMobile app to mitigate this increase by taking advantage of the Park Mobile Wallet, a preferred account through which your parking sessions are deducted, as opposed to individual charges to your credit card for each transaction.  Using the Wallet feature allows you to save $.20 per transaction!  See “What is the Park Mobile Wallet?” section for more details.

It is a preferred account through which your parking sessions are deducted, as opposed to individual charges to your credit card for each transaction. It functions similarly to the ParkCard system in that you are given the option to ‘load’ it in amounts up $75 (Commercial Fleet Operators have the option to go up to $500.) When your account balance reaches zero, your account will automatically be replenished to a set amount, using your selected method of payment. Using the Wallet feature allows you to save $.20 per transaction!

Need help setting up the Park Mobile Wallet on your iPhone? Follow these instructions:

  1. Open Parkmobile App and select the “More” Tab.
  2. Select “Payment Methods.”
  3. Select “Add a payment method.”
  4. Select “Parkmobile Wallet.”
  5. Register for the wallet, select initial load amount, and save.
  6. Balance of the wallet will reflect $0.00 and the load amount will not be charged until you use the wallet.

Now that you have added the wallet to your account, You can proceed starting a session via Parkmobile and can utilize the wallet to pay for your parking.

You can also add the wallet to your account during your session.  Under “Choose a Payment Method”, after you have entered a zone number and session duration, there will be an option to “Add a payment method” and at that point you can add/create the wallet if you haven’t already added it previously.

For passenger accounts, it runs from $25 to $75.

When you load the wallet and initiate your first parking session using it, your selected manner of payment will be charged. When your account balance reaches zero, your account will automatically be refilled using your selected method of payment.

Passenger accounts are limited to 5 total license plates under a single account. Commercial fleet accounts are targeted toward larger fleets and commercial vehicle accounts that have different billing and operational requirements.

The meter will not indicate that you have paid for your parking session via app or phone. Parking Enforcement patrollers will use your license plate to see if there is an active paid session for your vehicle. Please ensure that your license plate information and zone ID# are correct for your parking session.

Your parking history is saved and can be accessed in two ways. You can log on to your Personal Pages online at www.parkmobile.com to get a receipt for your parking session. You can also configure your notification settings to send you an email receipt.

The Park Mobile app or mobile web session screen shows the start and end times of your parking session. Additionally, a countdown timer will show the remaining time on your current parking session. You may also configure the app to send confirmations via text or email at the start of a session.

Yes. Your app is set up under a common log-in and password. Up to 5 vehicles may be registered under a single passenger account. Commercial accounts allow for larger numbers of license plates.

Park Mobile does not charge for text messages sent to you, but text messages are subject to standard message and data rates charged by your wireless service provider.

If you are using the Park Mobile app, you can adjust the preferences for notifications and you may turn off all notifications if you prefer. When using the IVR (interactive voice response), you must set your preferences during the initial signup on line.  IVR users must agree to receive text messages regarding a parking transaction.

If for any reason you are unable to pay using the Park Mobile app, you may pay for your parking at the meter.  If there is no meter, please move to a space with meter to avoid being ticketed.

In addition, like many apps and mobile services, Park Mobile requires a good cellular or Wi-Fi signal. The performance of your phone and quality of your wireless service is may limit functionality of the app.

Traffic enforcement personnel will compare your license plate number to a database of valid parking sessions in your zone. Therefore, it is critical that you enter the correct zone number and license plate number.

Yes. Even when a meter is broken or missing, you must still pay using the app or park and pay at a working meter.

Park Mobile does not own, operate, manage or enforce the parking areas. ShrevePark Parking Services and SPD are responsible for the enforcement of parking regulations downtown. When reviewing your parking ticket, make sure the information was correct. For example:

  • Did you select and confirm the correct Zone # for the parking session?
  • What is the parking violation you were cited for? Were you parked in a restricted location, were you parked over the line of the space in front of you or some other reason?

If you believe you were ticketed in error, you can dispute the citation, just as you would with any other parking violation. To dispute a citation, follow the instructions on the ticket. You can log onto your Park Mobile account to obtain an official receipt for your parking session.

Parking Enforcement’s goal is to help ensure the efficient and safe movement of daily traffic in downtown Shreveport while balancing the competing demands for limited parking spaces between downtown employees, shoppers and visitors to our city.