46.6

Risk Grade

Good

Largest county/Fargo metro, growing population, some regulatory clarity, NDSU influence; conservative rural remainder tempers progress

Assessment Snapshot

Population

181923

State Rank

Compliance

42%

Trajectory

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements

500 ft utility-scale from residences

Zoning Mechanism

CUP for utility-scale; building permit residential

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis

Mixed-Favorable

Basis for Assessment

Fargo metro area; progressive urban community; university influence (NDSU)

Political Risk Factors

Neutral

Board Members

Chair Mary Scherling | R | 2026; Commissioner Chad Peterson | R | 2026; Commissioner Rick Steen | R | 2026; Commissioner Darrell Vanyo | R | 2026; Commissioner Duane Breitling | R | 2026

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator

MISO / Otter Tail Power

Utilities

Otter Tail Power, Xcel Energy

State Permitting Process

County zoning; ND PSC >100 MW

State Incentives

Property tax exemption; Federal ITC

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects

Denied/Withdrawn Projects

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Cass County, ND — Solar Development Risk Assessment