Bossier Parish, LA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

In unincorporated Bossier Parish, Chapter 19 of the parish code puts nearly all construction, including residential swimming pools, under one general permit rule. Section 19-5(a) makes it unlawful to construct, enlarge or alter any building or structure without a properly issued permit from the Bossier Parish Building Official, and pools fall inside that requirement because the only pool carved out under section 19-5(c)(7) is a prefabricated pool less than 24 inches deep. Anything bigger, including an in-ground pool or a deeper above-ground model, needs a permit before the first shovel goes in the ground.

The application must identify the work, describe the property, state the construction valuation and be accompanied by construction documents per section 19-6, including a site plan showing the pool's location and its distance from lot lines. Fees are set by the schedule adopted under section 19-8, and a permit becomes invalid if work does not start within 180 days of issuance or is abandoned for 180 days, though the Building Official can grant extensions on written request. The Building Official reviews the application, may reject it in writing with stated reasons, and issues the permit once satisfied the work conforms to the adopted construction codes. Pools built without a permit are subject to a stop-work order under section 19-13 and prosecution through the parish attorney under section 19-12.