36.6

Risk Grade

Good

Suburban density limits utility-scale land; eastern fringe has potential but adjacency to metro raises opposition risk

Assessment Snapshot

Population

517421

State Rank

#19

Compliance

52%

Trajectory

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium

No specific moratorium information available.

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements

150 ft from non-participating residences

Zoning Mechanism

Special Use Permit (county zoning)

Acreage Caps

No cap

Density Caps

Spacing Rules

None specified

Size Restrictions

<50 MW county SUP; >50 MW CEO review (HB 23-1232)

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis

Mixed — suburban west, rural east; some NIMBY in suburbs

Basis for Assessment

County commissioner statements, public hearing records

Political Risk Factors

Neutral-Improving

Board Members

Emma Pinter (D, 2026) | Lynn Baca (D, 2027) | Eva Henry (D, 2026) | Charles Jensen (R, 2027) | Steve O'Dorisio (D, 2026)

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator

Xcel Energy (PSCO) / WECC

Utilities

Xcel Energy (PSCO)

State Permitting Process

County SUP required; HB 23-1232 CEO review >50 MW; decommissioning bond required

State Incentives

Federal ITC; Colorado Clean Energy Fund; Xcel RE procurement programs

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects

Two small ground-mount approvals (2022–23)

Denied/Withdrawn Projects

None on record

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Adams County, CO — Solar Development Risk Assessment