46.1

Risk Grade

Good

Denver exurb suburbanizing rapidly; horse property culture; high-income growth; strong NIMBY sentiment on utility-scale near residences; flat eastern sections (east of Elizabeth) have solar potential but opposition organizing

Assessment Snapshot

Population

27041

State Rank

#41

Compliance

55%

Trajectory

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium

No specific moratorium information available.

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements

500 ft from residences (informal guidance)

Zoning Mechanism

County Zoning / Special Use Permit

Acreage Caps

No cap

Density Caps

Spacing Rules

None codified

Size Restrictions

No formal restrictions but growing informal resistance

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis

Mixed to opposed — fast-growing horse property exurb (Elizabeth area); strong private property culture but NIMBY on industrial solar near homes

Basis for Assessment

Elbert County planning records; Elizabeth News; local commissioner meeting minutes

Political Risk Factors

Worsening

Board Members

Dallas Schroeder (R, 2026) | Grant Thayer (R, 2027) | Chris Richardson (R, 2026)

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator

Xcel Energy (PSCO) / WECC

Utilities

Xcel Energy (PSCO)

State Permitting Process

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

State Incentives

Federal ITC; Colorado Clean Energy Fund; Xcel RE procurement

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects

One small ground-mount (<5 MW)

Denied/Withdrawn Projects

None on record; one application withdrawn after neighbor opposition

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Elbert County, CO — Solar Development Risk Assessment