Bossier City, LA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 54's floodplain-management ordinance, adopted under Ord. No. 143-2016, applies to all areas of special flood hazard within the city council's jurisdiction, per Sec. 54-61. Sec. 54-62 adopts FEMA's Flood Insurance Study for Bossier Parish and its accompanying flood insurance rate maps, including panels dated March 19, 2013 and September 26, 2008, as amended by revised panels adopted August 18, 2016, and it layers on the Red River Advisory Base Flood Elevation Map for Bossier Parish where that map imposes a stricter standard. Sec. 54-63 requires a floodplain development permit before any project can proceed to ensure it conforms with the chapter, and Sec.

54-64 backs that up with a blanket compliance rule: no structure or land can be located, altered, or have its use changed in a mapped flood hazard area without full compliance with the chapter and other applicable regulations. The city engineer serves as floodplain administrator under Sec. 54-81, reviewing every permit application to confirm the proposed building site, including manufactured-home placement, will be reasonably safe from flooding, and coordinating with FEMA and the state on watercourse alterations. Article V's technical standards, starting at Sec. 54-91, require new construction and substantial improvements to be anchored against flotation and built with flood-damage-resistant methods and materials, with residential structures elevated at least one foot above base flood elevation under Sec.

54-92. Sec. 54-97 makes noncompliance a misdemeanor: conviction carries a fine of not more than $100.00 or imprisonment of not more than five days, or both, for each violation, and every day the noncompliance continues is a separate, additional violation, on top of the violator's liability for the city's costs and expenses in the case.