47.2

Risk Grade

Fair

Most populous county, state capital (Bismarck), some regulatory framework, growing population; conservative state government limits enthusiasm

Assessment Snapshot

Population

95626

State Rank

Compliance

43%

Trajectory

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements

300 ft from residences

Zoning Mechanism

CUP utility-scale; building permit residential

Size Restrictions

35 ft height ground-mount

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis

Mixed

Basis for Assessment

Bismarck metro; state capital; some diversification interest

Political Risk Factors

Neutral

Board Members

Chair Jim Peluso | R | 2026; Commissioner Brian Bitner | R | 2026; Commissioner Tom Kucera | R | 2026; Commissioner Becky Matthews | R | 2026; Commissioner Kelly Arnold | R | 2026

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator

MISO / Basin Electric

Utilities

Montana-Dakota Utilities, Basin Electric

State Permitting Process

County zoning; ND PSC for >100 MW

State Incentives

Property tax exemption; Federal ITC

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects

Denied/Withdrawn Projects

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Burleigh County, ND — Solar Development Risk Assessment