Buc-ee’s Appeals County Ruling Over Whether Travel Center Counts as Convenience Store

Overview

• Buc‑ee’s has filed a formal appeal after the El Paso County planning director said the proposed facility could not be clearly classified as a “convenience store” under the county code.
• The appeal is limited to a single legal question: whether the proposed Buc‑ee’s use is an allowed use in the site’s C‑1 zoning or is similar enough to be treated as such.
• The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners will consider the appeal at a future public meeting and the county will set the date and time later.
• County officials stress the BOCC ruling will only resolve land‑use classification and will not approve construction, signage, operations, or any development permits.
• Residents in the Tri‑Lakes and Palmer Lake area oppose the project on small‑town character grounds, Buc‑ee’s previously withdrew a Palmer Lake annexation after pushback, and the company has said it still plans to build if the county ultimately approves the development.