Bossier City, LA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

The city engineer serves as floodplain administrator under Sec. 54-81, reviewing every floodplain development permit application required by Sec. 54-83 before construction begins in an area of special flood hazard. Sec. 54-91 requires new construction and substantial improvements to be anchored against flotation and lateral movement, built with flood-resistant materials, and designed so mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC equipment stays above the flood level. Sec. 54-92 sets the numeric freeboard: new and substantially improved residential structures must have the lowest floor, including the basement, and all mechanical and electrical equipment and duct work elevated to at least one foot above the base flood elevation, certified by a registered engineer, architect or land surveyor.

Nonresidential buildings get a choice: match that one-foot freeboard or floodproof the structure watertight to one foot above base flood elevation with an engineer's certification kept on file with the floodplain administrator. Enclosures below the lowest floor used only for parking, access or storage need flood vents totaling at least one square inch per square foot of enclosed area, with openings no higher than one foot above grade. Manufactured homes and recreational vehicles carry their own anchoring and elevation rules. Where the Red River Advisory Base Flood Elevation Map for Bossier Parish, dated January 4, 2016, applies, the freeboard rises to one and one-half feet above base flood elevation.

An appeal board hears variance requests under Sec. 54-84, including reduced-hardship variances for lots of half an acre or less next to existing low structures. Sec. 54-97 makes noncompliance a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00 or imprisonment of not more than five days, with each day of continuing violation counted as a separate offense, on top of the violator covering all costs of the case.