How much does a building permit cost in Bossier City, LA?

The minimum permit fee is $50.00 for work with construction cost under $2,000.00. Fees are calculated as: Commercial building permit fees based on actual contract price. Residential additions, repairs, and alterations based on actual contract price. For work over $2,000.00: $5.00 per $1,000.00 or fraction thereof. New residential homes: $350.00 plus $0.15 per square foot under roof, including habitable rooms on additional floors.. Plan check fee: MPC and other review fees listed separately; single public building plan-check formula not clearly posted.

How do I apply for a building permit in Bossier City, LA?

1. Confirm whether MPC zoning or certificate approvals are needed before permit submission. 2. Create an EnerGov Self Service account or use the city paper application packet. 3. Submit the building permit application with plans and supporting documents. Commercial work requires one full plan set covering architectural, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and landscaping work. New residential work requires one full plan set, a site plan, post-tension foundation information, residential energy compliance check, general liability insurance, and a copy of the state contractor license. 4. Provide any special approvals that apply, such as a Department of Health letter for food establishments or a finish-floor elevation certificate for new construction in a special flood hazard area. 5. City staff review the plans for compliance and notify the applicant when approval is ready. 6. Pay remaining fees. The permit is issued after payment, and work may then begin.

What work is exempt from building permits in Bossier City, LA?

The following work is generally exempt: Flooring; Painting; Plumbing repairs involving only the working parts of a faucet or valve, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks, or replacing defective faucets or valves when no piping changes are made. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with the Permits and Inspections Division before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Bossier City, LA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: EnerGov Self Service portal.

City Building Permits

Bossier City, LA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Bossier City, Louisiana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Louisiana Bossier Parish Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers work inside Bossier City and also structures outside city limits that are on Bossier City water or sewer.

Department: Permits and Inspections Division, City of Bossier City
Address: 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone: 318-741-8571
Website: https://www.bossiercity.org/157/Permits-Inspections-Division

Online Permit Portal

Open Tyler EnerGov Self Service

Platform: Tyler EnerGov Self Service • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm whether MPC zoning or certificate approvals are needed before permit submission.
Create an EnerGov Self Service account or use the city paper application packet.
Submit the building permit application with plans and supporting documents. Commercial work requires one full plan set covering architectural, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and landscaping work. New residential work requires one full plan set, a site plan, post-tension foundation information, residential energy compliance check, general liability insurance, and a copy of the state contractor license.
Provide any special approvals that apply, such as a Department of Health letter for food establishments or a finish-floor elevation certificate for new construction in a special flood hazard area.
City staff review the plans for compliance and notify the applicant when approval is ready.
Pay remaining fees. The permit is issued after payment, and work may then begin.

Source: Permits and Inspections Division, City of Bossier City

General Requirements

Building permits are required for residential or commercial work, including new construction, additions, and alterations or repairs. Permits are required for any residential or commercial work except flooring and painting. Trade permits are separately required for regulated electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

Required Documents

Permit application
Plans
Site plan
Designer information
Residential energy check
Post-tension foundation information where applicable
General liability insurance
State contractor license
Homeowner affidavit where owner-builder exemption is used
Department of Health approval for food establishments
Flood elevation documentation when applicable

Building code: Bossier City Ordinance Book Chapter 18; 2021 IBC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 Life Safety Code 101, NFPA standards, 2020 NEC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and 2021 IECC
Owner-builder: A residential owner may pull the permit for a house by signing and notarizing the homeowner affidavit and serving as the builder, maintaining the house as a personal residence for at least one year. Homeowners may apply for permits for their own residence if they have lived there for 12 months when work exceeds $7,500.
Contractor requirements: Commercial contractors directed to Louisiana State Licensing Board. New residential builders must submit state contractor license copy. Residential work over $7,500 requires home improvement contractor registration unless qualifying owner exemption applies. Trade contractors must hold current city registrations.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50.00 for work with construction cost under $2,000.00
Plan check fee: MPC and other review fees listed separately; single public building plan-check formula not clearly posted
Permit fee formula: Commercial building permit fees based on actual contract price. Residential additions, repairs, and alterations based on actual contract price. For work over $2,000.00: $5.00 per $1,000.00 or fraction thereof. New residential homes: $350.00 plus $0.15 per square foot under roof, including habitable rooms on additional floors.
Payment note: The city has a permit payment portal. As of January 1, 2022, third-party fees apply to credit card transactions.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Flooring
Painting
Plumbing repairs involving only the working parts of a faucet or valve, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks, or replacing defective faucets or valves when no piping changes are made

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with the Permits and Inspections Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

EnerGov Self Service portal (online)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Additional Resources

Building code: Bossier City Ordinance Book Chapter 18; 2021 IBC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 Life Safety Code 101, NFPA standards, 2020 NEC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and 2021 IECC
Zoning information: View zoning info
Electrical Permits and Registration
Plumbing Permits and Registration
Mechanical Permits and Registration
Flood Hazard Information
License lookup guide: Louisiana Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Louisiana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Louisiana hub: Louisiana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Permits and Inspections Division, City of Bossier City before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bossier City Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Bossier City, LA?: Building permits are required for residential or commercial work, including new construction, additions, and alterations or repairs. Permits are required for any residential or commercial work except flooring and painting. Trade permits are separately required for regulated electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
How much does a building permit cost in Bossier City, LA?: The minimum permit fee is $50.00 for work with construction cost under $2,000.00. Fees are calculated as: Commercial building permit fees based on actual contract price. Residential additions, repairs, and alterations based on actual contract price. For work over $2,000.00: $5.00 per $1,000.00 or fraction thereof. New residential homes: $350.00 plus $0.15 per square foot under roof, including habitable rooms on additional floors.. Plan check fee: MPC and other review fees listed separately; single public building plan-check formula not clearly posted.
How do I apply for a building permit in Bossier City, LA?: 1. Confirm whether MPC zoning or certificate approvals are needed before permit submission. 2. Create an EnerGov Self Service account or use the city paper application packet. 3. Submit the building permit application with plans and supporting documents. Commercial work requires one full plan set covering architectural, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and landscaping work. New residential work requires one full plan set, a site plan, post-tension foundation information, residential energy compliance check, general liability insurance, and a copy of the state contractor license. 4. Provide any special approvals that apply, such as a Department of Health letter for food establishments or a finish-floor elevation certificate for new construction in a special flood hazard area. 5. City staff review the plans for compliance and notify the applicant when approval is ready. 6. Pay remaining fees. The permit is issued after payment, and work may then begin.
What work is exempt from building permits in Bossier City, LA?: The following work is generally exempt: Flooring; Painting; Plumbing repairs involving only the working parts of a faucet or valve, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks, or replacing defective faucets or valves when no piping changes are made. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with the Permits and Inspections Division before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Bossier City, LA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: EnerGov Self Service portal.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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