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Storey County, NV — Solar Development Risk Assessment

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

55.5
Risk Grade
Fair
Dual character county creates geographic risk segmentation; TRIC zone is among Nevada's most solar-supportive industrial areas; Virginia City Historic District creates real constraints on approximately 40% of county land area; overall risk moderate
Assessment Snapshot
Population
4010
State Rank
#14
Compliance
45%
Trajectory
40

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium
No

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements
200 ft from Virginia City Historic District boundary; 100 ft from residential uses; 50 ft from industrial property lines in TRIC zone
Zoning Mechanism
Special Use Permit (SUP) in most zones; by-right in designated TRIC industrial parcels; SHPO review for historic adjacency
Acreage Caps
None in TRIC zone; visual impact analysis required near historic district
Spacing Rules
Historic district buffer maintained; TRIC zone has no formal spacing requirements
Size Restrictions
Enhanced public review for projects with sight lines to Virginia City National Historic Landmark

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis
Mixed to Supportive
Basis for Assessment
TRIC industrial corridor strongly supportive of industrial energy projects including solar; Virginia City and surrounding residential areas protective of historic visual character; county commission overall supportive of industrial development given TRIC success
Political Risk Factors
Neutral
Board Members
Clay Mitchell (Chair), Lance Gilman, Marshall McBride

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator
NV Energy (Sierra Pacific Power) / WECC
Utilities
NV Energy (Sierra Pacific Power)
State Permitting Process
PUCN ≥200 MW; county SUP required; SHPO consultation for historic district proximity
State Incentives
Yes – NV SB 448; TRIC industrial solar eligible; SHPO restrictions may apply near historic district

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects
3
Denied/Withdrawn Projects
0

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Last verified: 2026-04-03 | SolarRisk Tracker | Data sources: Government records, utility filings, public meeting minutes