Clark County, WA — Solar Development Risk Assessment

No Moratorium

Clark County UDC: setback requirements for utility-scale solar in agricultural zones; specific setbacks from residences and property lines per UDC §40.260.070.

Clark County: CUP or Special Use Permit under UDC in Agricultural and Rural zones; Clark County Hearing Examiner review; Board of County Councilors approval for major projects.

Supportive — Portland metro suburban growth drives strong rooftop and commercial solar demand; Clark Public Utilities active solar programs; Board of County Councilors pro-solar

Clark Public Utilities is a PUD with active solar programs; Pacific Power serves some areas; county is fastest-growing in WA; limited greenfield utility-scale land; strong BPA-connected grid; Vancouver City has adopted climate action plan

Improving

Large facilities (≥350 MW nameplate): Washington EFSEC (Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council) has exclusive siting jurisdiction — state agency preempts all local permitting. Projects <350 MW: county-level conditional use permit (CUP) or special use permit (SUP) in agricultural or resource-zoned land; no statewide preemption floor for smaller projects. SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act): environmental review required for utility-scale projects; DNS, MDNS, or full EIS depending on county SEPA lead agency threshold. Growth Management Act (GMA): 29 WA counties must incorporate energy siting in comprehensive plans; some have adopted renewable energy elements. Shoreline Management Act (SMA): projects near shorelines require Shoreline Substantial Development Permit. Critical Areas Ordinances (CAO): wetlands, fish/wildlife habitat, flood zones, and geologically hazardous areas require county CAO compliance review. Agricultural land: county-specific farmland protection policies apply; prime farmland conversion may require additional findings under county comprehensive plan.

Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA/SB 5116, 2019): IOUs must be carbon-neutral by 2030; 100% carbon-free by 2045. Net metering: ≤100 kW for IOU customers (PSE, Avista, Pacific Power) under WUTC; PUDs set individual limits, most allow up to 100% of annual consumption offset. RESIP (Renewable Energy System Incentive Program): production-based incentives for systems ≤100 kW, funded by utilities under WUTC mandate. Sales & use tax exemption: solar PV equipment fully exempt (RCW 82.08.962). Property tax exemption: solar systems excluded from assessed value (RCW 84.36.635). Community solar: available through PSE, SnoPUD, Tacoma Power, Clark Public Utilities, and most WA PUDs. PACE financing: available in participating WA counties. Federal ITC: 30% investment tax credit (IRA 2022) for commercial and residential. Low-income adder: 10% bonus ITC for projects serving income-qualified communities (IRA §48E).

Multiple commercial and community rooftop solar installations in Vancouver and Clark County industrial areas; Clark Public Utilities community solar program has enrolled hundreds of customers; limited greenfield utility-scale approvals due to urban land pressure.

No confirmed utility-scale denials; some project inquiries redirected to rooftop/community solar due to land scarcity.