Risk Grade

Fair

Among best solar irradiance in Oregon but extreme remoteness and absence of transmission infrastructure create critical development barriers; BLM land dominance requires federal approval; tiny population limits distributed solar market; potential is excellent but infrastructure investment needed

Assessment Snapshot

Population

7869

State Rank

#20

Compliance

45%

Trajectory

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements

150 ft from property lines; 300 ft from residences; wetland buffer for Abert Lake and Warner Wetlands

Zoning Mechanism

EFU, Grazing (G), BLM Public Lands (majority of county), USFS (Fremont-Winema NF), Lakeview UGB; wetland overlay zones

Acreage Caps

No county cap

Spacing Rules

None specified

Size Restrictions

ODOE >35 MW; BLM Lakeview District ROW; USFWS for wetland adjacency; county CUP; major transmission infrastructure investment required

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral-Pragmatic — ranching community open to solar lease income; Lakeview pragmatic about development; Lake County Examiner coverage shows low engagement but no active opposition

Basis for Assessment

Lake County planning records; Lake County Examiner (Lakeview); BLM Lakeview District records; Lake County Commissioner meeting minutes

Political Risk Factors

Stable-Pragmatic — small ranching community (7,900 people) open to solar lease income given declining cattle economy; Lakeview community pragmatic about development; Lake County Examiner coverage shows cautious openness

Board Members

Brad Lisle (Chair), Jerry Andrews, Don Bailey

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator

Pacific Power (PacifiCorp); BPA (no direct access near Lakeview; nearest substation distant)

Utilities

Pacific Power (PacifiCorp), None/isolated rural distribution

State Permitting Process

ORS 215 EFU CUP; BLM ROW Authorization; ODOE >35 MW; USFWS wetland; Lake County Zoning Ordinance

State Incentives

Eligible — Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects

Obsidian Solar Center (400 MW, 2022)

Denied/Withdrawn Projects

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Lake County, OR — Solar Development Risk Assessment