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

Section 19-5(a) of the Bossier Parish Code states plainly that it is unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, extensively alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the technical codes adopted in Section 19-3, without first obtaining a properly issued permit from the Bossier Parish Building Official. Section 19-5(c) through (j) then lists specific work exempt from that requirement: one-story detached accessory structures without utilities under 200 square feet, fences no taller than six feet, retaining walls no taller than four feet measured from footing to top, water tanks up to 5,000 gallons, sidewalks and driveways, finish work like painting and tiling, swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, playground equipment, and window awnings that project no more than 54 inches.

To apply, Section 19-5(k)-(l) requires a written application on the Building Department's form identifying the work, describing the property by legal description or address, stating the construction valuation, and, for larger projects, naming the owner and all contractors. The building official examines the application within a reasonable time and must reject it in writing with reasons if it does not conform to the code; if it does, the official issues the permit as soon as practicable. Under Section 19-5(n) and (p), an unpursued application is deemed abandoned after 180 days, and an issued permit becomes invalid if work is not started within 180 days or is suspended for 180 days, though the building official can grant extensions for justified cause. The permit or a copy must be posted and visible at the front exterior of the job site until the project is complete.