Bossier Parish, LA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger threshold
- Gatherings of 100+ people
- Application deadline
- At least 45 days before event
- Permit fee
- $500.00 nonrefundable
- Security staffing
- 1 officer per 50 (25 if alcohol)
- Allowed event hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Summary
Any carnival, festival, trade show, or outdoor music event drawing 100 or more people in unincorporated Bossier Parish needs a Police Jury permit before it can proceed. Organizers file at least 45 days ahead, pay a $500.00 nonrefundable fee, and fund a security plan the Sheriff's Office prices and approves.
(a)For the purposes of this section, the term "public interest and special events" includes outdoor music events, carnivals, circuses, trail rides and similar activities, held in all areas of Bossier Parish, except that area covered by the Unified Development Code of the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission, which has its own regulations, that are intended to appeal to the public at-large rather than any specific, targeted group. This article shall only apply to gatherings of 100 people or more. ... No public interest nor special event of any kind or for whatever purpose shall proceed without first applying to the police jury for a permit, as required by this article. ... There shall be paid, at the time of filing the application for a permit, a nonrefundable fee of $500.00. This fee may be waived in whole or in part by the police jury.
Full Breakdown
Article III of Chapter 10 covers 'public interest and special events,' defined to include outdoor music events, carnivals, circuses, trail rides, and similar activities intended to appeal to the public at large. The article applies only to gatherings of 100 people or more, and only outside the area covered by the Unified Development Code of the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission, which has its own separate regulations. ), expected attendance, and clean-up, health, sanitation, and security plans. 00 fee, which the Police Jury may waive in whole or in part, plus an advance deposit sized to the Bossier Sheriff's Office's security-plan costs.
The Sheriff's Office is the only agency authorized to provide event security and must staff at a ratio of one officer per 50 attendees when no alcohol is present, rising to one officer per 25 attendees when alcohol is served. Parish fire districts, emergency medical services, and the parish health unit each review the application and recommend approval or denial to the Police Jury, which can override a negative recommendation only by a vote of more than a simple majority of its members. All event parking must stay on the applicant's site; attendees who park in the public right-of-way can get the event shut down and face towing.
Violations & Fines
Violating any part of Article III is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500.00 or 30 days in jail, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The Sheriff's Office can shut an event down mid-event for violating permit conditions or approved safety plans, and the Police Jury can deny or revoke a permit for false application information or noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small church festival need a Bossier Parish special event permit?
How far ahead must a festival organizer apply?
Who provides security at a permitted Bossier Parish festival?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bossier Parish
Compare Bossier Parish to another location·View the Louisiana special events & permits overview
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