Bossier Parish, LA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)

Sec. 126-671 of the Bossier Parish Code defines 'data center' as 'an establishment engaged in the storage, management, processing, and/or transmission of digital data, which houses computer and/or network equipment, systems, servers, appliances and other associated components related to digital data operations,' and includes management headquarters, training centers, and research and development offices as accessory uses. This definition sits in Chapter 126, Article III, which governs zoning in the unincorporated area within five miles of Benton administered by the Benton-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission (Sec. 126-691); the separate Unified Development Code covering the unincorporated area near Bossier City is adopted by reference and not reproduced in the parish's own code text.

Within the five-mile Benton planning area, Sec. 126-756(b)(1) lists 'data center' as a use by right in the I-1 light industry district, meaning it needs no special exception hearing before the board of adjustment and no planning-commission site plan approval, only compliance with the district's ordinary building site, yard and height standards. The I-2 heavy industry district's permitted-use list also names 'data center' as a by-right use. Any use, erection or alteration of land inconsistent with the code's requirements, including operating outside a district where the use is listed, is a violation under Sec. 126-815.