41.6

Risk Grade

Good

Urban growth pressure limits prime ag land near Fort Collins; eastern plains portion has good solar resource; moderate regulatory complexity; political split between urban and rural

Assessment Snapshot

Population

359066

State Rank

#31

Compliance

42%

Trajectory

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium

No specific moratorium information available.

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements

150-300 ft from occupied structures

Zoning Mechanism

Special Use Permit (county planning commission)

Acreage Caps

No formal cap

Density Caps

Spacing Rules

None specified

Size Restrictions

<50 MW county SUP; >50 MW CEO review

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis

Mixed — Fort Collins metro supportive of renewables; eastern agricultural areas cautious

Basis for Assessment

Larimer County Planning Dept records; CSU Extension ag feedback; public hearing minutes

Political Risk Factors

Neutral

Board Members

Kristin Stephens (R, 2026) | Jody Shadduck-McNally (D, 2027) | Ted Fessenden (R, 2026)

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator

Xcel Energy (PSCO) / WECC

Utilities

Xcel Energy (PSCO), Poudre Valley REA

State Permitting Process

County zoning; 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

Fossil Creek Solar (8 MW, 2022); two smaller ag-adjacent permits

Denied/Withdrawn Projects

None on record

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Larimer County, CO — Solar Development Risk Assessment