38.8

Risk Grade

Good

Flat Snake River Plain ideal for utility-scale; clear CUP pathway; ag landowner interest in solar leases; proximity to transmission

Assessment Snapshot

Population

46200

State Rank

Compliance

25%

Trajectory

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements

100 ft from occupied dwellings; 50 ft from property lines (typical CUP condition)

Zoning Mechanism

Conditional Use Permit; Bingham County P&Z Commission; utility-scale >20 MW may require additional county review

Acreage Caps

None established at county level

Density Caps

None established

Spacing Rules

Not specified

Size Restrictions

20 ft height limit typical CUP condition for ground-mounted arrays

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis

Generally favorable — agricultural county recognizes economic benefits; landowners leasing land for solar; minimal vocal opposition

Basis for Assessment

Multiple approved projects; ag economy welcomes lease revenue; conservative but pragmatic approach

Political Risk Factors

Stable

Board Members

Kelly Aberasturi (Chair); Paul Skidmore; Blake Tolman

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator

Idaho Power Company (IPCO) / Rocky Mountain Power (eastern portions) / WECC

Utilities

Idaho Power Company (IPCO), Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp East)

State Permitting Process

CUP required; state building permits; FERC-regulated interconnection for utility-scale

State Incentives

Eligible — Idaho Residential Clean Energy Credit; Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power net metering

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects

None verified

Denied/Withdrawn Projects

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Bingham County, ID — Solar Development Risk Assessment