Buc-ee’s requests land use zoning designation in El Paso County
Heather Skold
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.
“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 backlash from the community. The idea of increased traffic, reduced business for locally-owned shops and erasure of their small-town identity was a turn-off for many.
Buc-ee’s later withdrew its offer for annexation.
Traffic studies provided by Waller show that the Buc-ee’s would generate around 22,000 vehicle trips per day. For context, a Super Walmart location sees about 20,000 daily trips.
Development plans, also provided by the Buc-ee’s consultant, show the building will be around 74,000 square feet with 60 fuel pumps and 20 EV charging stations.
“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.
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.
At this time, there is no official timeline for an opening day.