Bossier City, LA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 18-38(1)(a) of the Bossier City Code requires any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who wants to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect a sign, install fire-extinguishing apparatus or elevators, or install a boiler, furnace, heater, or incinerator regulated by the Code, to first apply to the building official and obtain a permit. Section 18-39(1)(a) states the flip side as a flat prohibition: no person, firm or corporation may erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish a building or structure without first obtaining a separate building permit.

Ordinary minor repairs may proceed without a permit only with the building inspector's approval under section 18-38(1)(c). Applications must include a general description of the work, indicate proposed occupancy, and for larger occupancy groups or projects exceeding $125,000.00, plans must be sealed by a Louisiana-registered architect or engineer under section 18-38(3)(b). Section 18-40 sets the fee schedule: a $50.00 minimum for work under $2,000.00 and $5.00 per $1,000.00 above that, with new residential permits at $350.00 plus $0.15 per square foot under roof. Starting work before securing a permit doubles the fee and adds a flat $500.00 penalty under section 18-40(b).

A permit lapses if work has not begun within six months of issuance or is abandoned for a year, though the building official may grant 90-day extensions for cause under section 18-38(5).