Board of County Commissioners says Buc-ee’s qualifies as a convenience store under Land Development Code

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners says a proposed Buc-ee's location in El Paso County qualifies as a convenience store under the county's Land Development Code.

The vote passed 4-1.

Over 160 people showed up to speak in opposition to the proposed travel stop, with two people speaking in favor.

"Frankly, I cannot read the definition of a convenience store any differently than a Buc-ee's. And so I stand in total 100% favor of this development," said Chris Jeub.

However, others took Thursday's meeting as an opportunity to have their voice heard and push against what they see as an intrusion on their way of life.

"Colorado is not a strip mall. You come to Colorado for Colorado, which is the mountains and the scenery... I want to have a place where I'm not, you know, having to deal with a gigantic monstrosity of a store. You see the stars at night. You have a beautiful view; that's going to all be impacted by this," says Mike Stern.

The county emphasized today's decision does not approve construction or operation of the proposed Buc-ee's development. Now that the land-use classification has been determined, any further applications and approvals will move through the county.

According to the county, Buc-ee's will now need to submit a site development plan for review by the county, including lighting, landscaping, parking and traffic.

PRIOR REPORTING:

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners will hear Buc-ee’s appeal of an administrative determination issued by the Planning and Community Development Director. 

The board says it will decide whether the proposed Buc-ee’s use qualifies as an allowed use in the C-1 zoning district under the Land Development Code. 

The plot of land bought by Buc-ee's in April is zoned as a C-1 district. Some of the current approved uses for buildings in C-1 zoning districts are:

• Amusement center
• Bar
• Barber/beauty shop
• Billiard parlor
• Car wash
• Child care center
• Convenience store
• Emergency facility

According to the board, this hearing will not approve or deny construction of a Buc-ee's; it will only resolve the land-use classification questions.

Officials say any future developmnent would still require additional county reviews and approvals.

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