Risk Grade

Excellent

Low-moderate compliance; low saturation; flat terrain ideal for solar; FAA/NAS proximity adds minor coordination layer; BLM land overlay manageable

Assessment Snapshot

Population

24877

State Rank

Compliance

35%

Trajectory

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements

50 ft from property lines; additional FAA notification zone near Fallon NAS

Zoning Mechanism

Conditional Use Permit (CUP); Industrial or Agricultural zone required; county commission approval

Acreage Caps

None specified

Spacing Rules

None specified

Size Restrictions

CUP required for projects >1 MW

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral to Supportive

Basis for Assessment

Rural county with limited organized opposition; Fallon area residents generally supportive of economic development; agricultural lease revenues welcomed

Political Risk Factors

Neutral

Board Members

Justin Heath (Chair), Greg Koenig, Bus Scharmann, Carl Erquiaga, Pete Olsen

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator

NV Energy (Sierra Pacific Power) / WECC

Utilities

NV Energy (Sierra Pacific Power)

State Permitting Process

PUCN approval required ≥200 MW; BLM ROW for federal parcels; county CUP

State Incentives

Yes – NV net metering (SB 448); RPS 50% by 2030 eligible; Greenfield zone applicable

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects

Denied/Withdrawn Projects

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Churchill County, NV — Solar Development Risk Assessment