Buc-ee’s requests land use zoning designation in El Paso County

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- In a late-night release Monday, El Paso County says Buc-ee's EPCO, LLC has requested a C-1 zoning, which would classify it as a convenience store under the county's land development code.

The plot of land along I-25 near County Line Road has been the source of heavy speculation and controversy for years now.

A consultant for Buc-ee's confirmed that they are planning to build on this land, should the project be approved by the county.

“I think that is entirely accurate. The application was submitted for the use determination to the county, and so hopefully that’s the plan moving forward," said Mark Waller, a consultant for Buc-ee's.

Buc-ee’s originally tried to annex the property into the town of Palmer Lake and emphasized the potential for nearly $1 million in sales tax revenue.

However, the plan was met with heavy criticism from the community of Palmer Lake and the surrounding area. The idea of increased traffic, reduced business for locally-owned shops, and the erasure of their small-town identity was a turn-off for many. For months, community members voiced their opposition to the project in public settings.

Buc-ee’s later withdrew its offer for annexation. But the recent request made to El Paso County indicates that they're not interested in changing their location. An idea echoed by Waller.

“It is a piece of already commercially zoned property that is on I-25. Literally on I-25 between the two largest cities in Colorado. If this isn’t the right spot, what is?" Waller said.

Many residents are still opposed to the project, and pledge to continue fighting against the development.

El Paso County underscored that the request does not approve construction or "approve a site development plan."

The coding determination would be made by the Planning and Community Development Director and could take up to 14 days to make a ruling.

Other important items like construction, traffic access, utilities and more would still need to be approved by the county for Buc-ee's to open its doors.

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