Sign Regulations in Bossier City, Louisiana
Bossier City, Louisiana has specific sign regulations covering 15 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign (Home Business/Occupation). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Bossier City, Louisiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Bossier City
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 45 ft or 3 stories, whichever is less | — | — |
| Wall Sign (Home Business/Occupation) | — | 4 sq ft per side | — |
| Freestanding Sign | Same as maximum building height: generally 35 ft (see Table 6.5; 75 ft if oriented to interstate or raised expressway and within 400 ft of right-of-way) | Max 400 sq ft unless approved by MPC (for single occupancy); refer to Table 8.3.1.B | 5 feet minimum from property line (Sec. 8.3.3D) |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Bossier CityFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
15
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Wall Sign (Home Business/Occupation)
- Canopy Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Bossier City
Other Cities in Louisiana
Frequently Asked Questions
In Bossier City, wall signs can be up to 45 ft or 3 stories, whichever is less and monument signs are limited to Same as maximum building height: generally 35 ft (see Table 6.5; 75 ft if oriented to interstate or raised expressway and within 400 ft of right-of-way). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Bossier City, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Bossier City, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign (Home Business/Occupation), Canopy Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Bossier City, monument signs typically require a 5 feet minimum from property line (Sec. 8.3.3D) setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Bossier City are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Bossier City has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Bossier City, Louisiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Bossier City, Louisiana regulates 15 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the National Cyber Research Park Overlay District (NCRP-OD) zoning district are capped at 8 ft 1 in tall, 8 ft 1 in high x 8 ft wide x 12–18 in depth; upper 4 ft for names/logo, lower 4 ft for address/directional, and 8 ft wide, with a Min. 20 ft from public road curb, min. 15 ft from curb of access road setback (Sec. Sec. 5.7.3.R.4.a). Most commercial signs in Bossier City require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Bossier City, Louisiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Bossier City (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence-Agricultural District (R-A) | 1 | 45 ft or 3 stories, whichever is less | — | — |
| Residential Estate District (R-E), Residential, Low Density District (R-LD), Residential, Medium Density District (R-MD), Residential, High Density District (R-HD), Residential, Manufactured Housing Park District (R-MHP), Residential Manufactured Home Subdivision (R-MHS) | 1 | — | 4 sq ft per side | — |
| Business, Commercial Office District (B-1), Limited Business District (B-2), General Business District (B-3), Downtown Business District (B-4), Interchange Business District (B-5), Light Industrial District (I-1), Heavy Industrial District (I-2), Riverfront Development District (RFD), Racetrack District (RT), Airbase Buffer Zone—North (A-1) | 5 | 35 ft or 2 stories, whichever is less (in B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, and RT except where noted); 45 ft or 3 stories in I-1, I-2; RFD same as B-3 | Max 400 sq ft unless approved by MPC (for single occupancy); refer to Table 8.3.1.B | — |
| Airbase Buffer Zone—South (A-2) | 1 | Same as R-A (45 ft or 3 stories, whichever is less) | — | — |
| Gateway Overlay District (GW-OD) | 2 | — | — | — |
| National Cyber Research Park Overlay District (NCRP-OD) | 3 | 8 ft 1 in | Max 10% of gross area of main building face fronting street (1 sign per firm/complex/building/street frontage); multiple tenants with 2-3: combined 20%; 4 or more: no tenant names, only facility name, max 10% area | — |
| Barksdale Boulevard Redevelopment Overlay District (B-BROD) | 1 | 35 ft (per B-3), except existing nonconforming | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | 64 sq ft per sign face without MPC approval | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Bossier City(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Business, Commercial Office District (B-1), Limited Business District (B-2), General Business District (B-3), Downtown Business District (B-4), Interchange Business District (B-5), Light Industrial District (I-1), Heavy Industrial District (I-2), Riverfront Development District (RFD), Racetrack District (RT), Airbase Buffer Zone—North (A-1)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 35 ft or 2 stories, whichever is less (in B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, and RT except where noted); 45 ft or 3 stories in I-1, I-2; RFD same as B-3 | — | — | — | 5 per occupancy per street frontage | On building wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.3.1.A, Tables 6.5 |
| Freestanding Sign | Same as maximum building height: generally 35 ft (see Table 6.5; 75 ft if oriented to interstate or raised expressway and within 400 ft of right-of-way) | Max 400 sq ft unless approved by MPC (for single occupancy); refer to Table 8.3.1.B | — | 5 feet minimum from property line (Sec. 8.3.3D) | 1 sign per street frontage, multi-tenant buildings: 1 per frontage | On premises, not in clear visibility triangle | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.3.1.B, Table 8.3.1.B, Sec. 8.3.2 |
| Canopy Sign | Same as canopy | 30 sq ft per face (for gas station canopies) | — | — | — | On canopy face | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.3.1.C |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | Within Wall Sign total allowed | Attached perpendicular to wall; in B-4 district, may abut or overhang right-of-way by permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.3.1.A |
| Changeable Copy Sign | — | Within sign area allocation for wall/freestanding/monument sign | — | — | — | On wall/monument/freestanding sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.3.1.F |
National Cyber Research Park Overlay District (NCRP-OD)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 8 ft 1 in | 8 ft 1 in high x 8 ft wide x 12–18 in depth; upper 4 ft for names/logo, lower 4 ft for address/directional | 8 ft | Min. 20 ft from public road curb, min. 15 ft from curb of access road | One per access road to a site | Placed parallel to public road, min. 20 ft from curb of public road, 15 ft from curb of site access road | — | Unlock | Sec. 5.7.3.R.4.a |
| Incidental Ground Sign | 6 ft | — | 4 ft panel width | Not within 50 ft of public street ROW, 10 ft from curb of access drive | As needed for site traffic | On premises as traffic control/information | — | Unlock | Sec. 5.7.3.R.4.b |
| Building Mounted Sign | — | Max 10% of gross area of main building face fronting street (1 sign per firm/complex/building/street frontage); multiple tenants with 2-3: combined 20%; 4 or more: no tenant names, only facility name, max 10% area | — | — | 1 per firm/complex/building/street frontage | Directly mounted to building wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 5.7.3.R.4.c |
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | 35 sq ft per side (residential/commercial); up to 32 sq ft on unimproved property | — | — | One per street frontage | On property being advertised | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.2.2.H |
| Political Sign | — | 9 sq ft (in R-Districts except R-A) | — | — | — | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.2.2.I |
| Construction Sign | — | 64 sq ft per sign face without MPC approval | — | — | — | On construction site | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.2.2.F |
| Public Sign | — | — | — | — | As applicable | As required by governmental entity | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.2.2.A, Sec. 18.2.87 |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Bossier City — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Bossier City — start freeProhibited Signs in Bossier City
- No sign may be constructed, erected, altered, or maintained without a required permit, except for exempt categories specified in the Code.
- All temporary signs are prohibited unless approved in conjunction with a Certificate of Occupancy for a temporary use, are limited in number and size, and subject to expiration.
- Banners or similar cloth-based signs shall not be used as permanent signage or to cover an existing sign for more than 30 days.
- Signs imitating an official traffic sign, signal, or traffic-control device are prohibited.
- Signs over three (3) feet in height are prohibited within a clear visibility triangle at intersections.
- Window and door signs may not occupy more than 50 percent of an individual window or door frame's area.
- No sign or portion of a sign may be constructed of wood, cloth, vinyl, or similar fabric-type material.
- All commercial advertising signs are prohibited in residential districts, except for listed exceptions.
- On-Premises Sign Location Permits may not be assigned to a successor as owner or business license holder.
- If a previously approved or preexisting sign is not in compliance with this Code, it must be removed or brought into compliance before the Certificate of Occupancy may be issued.
- All prohibited sign types listed for off-premises signs (e.g., beacons, windblown devices, pennants, portable signs, signs attached to accessory structures, signs emitting smoke/vapor/odor, etc.) are not allowed anywhere in the jurisdiction.
- No sign may be located or project over a building unless specifically permitted.
- Signs located in the public right-of-way are prohibited.
- It is prohibited to erect, use, install, maintain, or alter a sign in any way not consistent with the requirements of the Code.
- It is a violation to obscure or obstruct any notice required to be posted or otherwise given under the Code.
- No sign shall be of such intensity/brilliance as to impair the vision or hinder operation of a motor vehicle, or to interfere with an official traffic sign, device, or signal.
- Nonconforming signs (on- or off-premises) that are abandoned for six months must not be reestablished.
Exempt Signs in Bossier City
- Public signs, which are exempt from all provisions of the sign ordinance except for required structural and safety regulations.
- Flags of the United States and/or State of Louisiana (and one additional flag), when displayed in accordance with National Flag Code.
- Identification signs (no more than one per entrance).
- Small outdoor signs integral to Retail Sales and Service uses, directed to persons who have already entered the premises, if lettering is no greater than 8 inches high.
- Decorative banners and flags of any type displayed on publicly-owned light poles within a street right-of-way.
- Construction signs identifying architects, engineers, owners, and other firms involved in a project, subject to size limits, no advertisement, and prompt removal after project completion.
- Temporary real estate signs (sale, lease, rent) on the property, limited in number/size, and duration, containing only property availability message.
- Political signs meeting size, placement and duration limitations.
- In residential districts, one home-based business sign of no more than 4 square feet per side, where a valid Certificate of Occupancy exists for a home occupation.
- In non-residential districts, a maximum of 1 banner per building façade, 2 wind feather flags per street frontage, and one inflatable sign for special events (limited in size/placement/frequency), per property.
- Off-premises traffic control signs on private property conforming to engineering standards, with no commercial message.
- Flags of governments, such as state, federal, foreign nations, or agencies, with no commercial connection.
- Garage/yard sales in residential districts are allowed without a permit, but are subject to frequency and duration limits.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Bossier City
- A site plan indicating the location and type of all existing and proposed signs is required as part of a Major Site Plan submittal for commercial/retail, office, industrial, and certain planned unit developments.
- On-premises signs requiring a permit must be reviewed and issued under a Sign Location Permit, which must include detailed drawings of dimensions, design, structure, and location for each sign.
- No building permit for a sign may be issued until a Sign Location Permit is first issued by the Executive Director.
- A Sign Location Permit application may include multiple signs for the same lot or parcel.
- Previously approved or preexisting signs must be permitted in accordance with a new Sign Location Permit before a new Certificate of Occupancy may be issued due to change of use or ownership.
- If a preexisting sign is not in compliance, it must be brought into compliance or removed before Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
- Site plans for major commercial projects, planned unit developments, and all conditional/special/operational site plan reviews must show all sign types and locations.
- For Off-Premises signs, a site plan is required with an application for a Sign Location Permit, showing existing/proposed signs, distances, setbacks, and required separation from other signs.
- Amendments to Planned Unit Developments, major subdivisions, and zoning changes may require resubmittal and review of revised site plans (including sign locations) if material changes occur.
- Any exceptions to the on-premises sign requirements must be applied for as a Conditional Use Approval, which necessitates submission of a complete proposal including location, size, material, and elevations for the sign(s).
- All exterior signs in the National Cyber Research Park Overlay District and Commercial District must be reviewed and approved by the Design Review Board for architectural consistency.
- Sign Location Permits may not be assigned to a successor owner or licensee; a new permit application is required for new occupants.
- Temporary Use Permits requiring signage must provide details and may be subject to specific signage limitations as per temporary signage sections.
Source: municode municipal code