SolarRisk Tracker / Explore / ID / Bear Lake

Bear Lake County, ID — Solar Development Risk Assessment

Local solar ordinance barriers, board sentiment, and utility policies that affect development timelines and risk.

39.5
Risk Grade
Good
No dedicated solar framework; very conservative agricultural county; low population limits pressure; uncertain approval pathway
Assessment Snapshot
Population
6200
State Rank
#9
Compliance
35%
Trajectory
40

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium
No

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements
General setback requirements for structures (25-50 ft from property lines)
Zoning Mechanism
Variance or conditional use via Board of County Commissioners
Acreage Caps
None established
Density Caps
None established
Spacing Rules
Not specified
Size Restrictions
General structure height limits

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis
Neutral to skeptical — very conservative LDS-influenced ranching/farming community
Basis for Assessment
Small conservative ranching community; LDS community values; limited outside influence; no solar advocacy
Political Risk Factors
Stable
Board Members
Dennis Crane (Chair); Ron Taylor; Brent Owen

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator
Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp East) / WECC-RMPP
Utilities
Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp East), Bear Lake County Electric Cooperative
State Permitting Process
County variance/CUP process; state building code
State Incentives
Eligible — Idaho Residential Clean Energy Credit; Rocky Mountain Power net metering

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects
None verified
Denied/Withdrawn Projects
0

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Last verified: April 2026 (web research) | SolarRisk Tracker | Data sources: Government records, utility filings, public meeting minutes