BOSSIER CITY, La. — The Bossier Parish Police Jury has approved amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) related to permanent utility easements, a move designed to support growth and improve development flexibility throughout the parish.
The amendment, proposed by the Haughton Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC), allows for front-yard utility easements with a 35-foot building setback and at least 10 feet of clearance from the public right-of-way. The change is intended to maintain safety and accessibility while giving developers more options for utility placement.
“This is a positive development for our growing communities,” said District 3 Juror Philip Rodgers, who chairs the Police Jury’s Road/Subdivision Regulations Committee. “We’ve worked closely with the MPC to ensure these updates reflect the needs of both developers and residents.”
The MPC introduced the amendment during its Aug. 11 meeting, citing the need for more adaptable utility layouts in unincorporated areas. The Police Jury’s approval marks the final step in the process, signaling a shift toward more flexible growth management in one of Louisiana’s fastest-growing parishes.
In a separate action, the Police Jury received a federal land patent from the U.S. Department of the Interior, granting the parish full ownership of a 0.5-acre tract. The patent transfers permanent title from the federal government to the parish, ensuring long-term stewardship and responsibility for the property.
Under the agreement, the Police Jury must comply with all environmental, legal, and safety regulations and protect the federal government from future claims or costs associated with the land’s use.
A land patent is the highest form of land ownership issued by the federal government, granting the recipient full and permanent rights to the property and its resources. With this transfer, the Police Jury assumes full control and accountability for the site and any related activities.