August 27, 2026 – Today, the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners considered Buc-ee’s EPCO, LLC’s appeal of the Planning and Community Development Director’s administrative determination regarding the classification of the proposed use under the El Paso County Land Development Code.
After considering the applicable Land Development Code provisions and the evidence presented as part of the public hearing record, the Board determined that the Buc-ee’s application has met the criteria for an allowed use within the C-1 zoning district.
Today’s decision is limited to the land-use classification at issue in the appeal. It does not, by itself, approve construction or operation of the proposed Buc-ee’s development and does not constitute approval of a site development plan, grading, drainage, traffic improvements, utilities, signage, lighting, building permits or other required project approvals.
With the land-use classification question resolved, subsequent applications and approvals will proceed through the applicable County processes established by the Land Development Code.
El Paso County appreciates everyone who participated in the public hearing and provided evidence for the Board’s consideration. Because this was a quasi-judicial proceeding, the Board’s decision was based on the applicable Land Development Code and evidence contained in the hearing record.
What the Board Decided
The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners considered Buc-ee’s EPCO, LLC’s appeal of the Planning and Community Development Director’s administrative determination regarding the classification of the proposed use under the El Paso County Land Development Code.
After considering the applicable Land Development Code provisions and the evidence presented as part of the public hearing record, the Board determined that the proposed Buc-ee’s use qualifies as an allowed use within the C-1 zoning district.
What the Decision Means
The Board’s decision resolves the land-use classification question that was before it.
The decision means the proposed Buc-ee’s use may proceed through the County’s applicable administrative development review processes.
What the Decision DOES NOT Mean
The Board did not approve construction or operation of a Buc-ee’s development.
The August 27 hearing was limited to determining whether the proposed use qualifies as an allowed use within the C-1 zoning district.
Next Steps
Buc-ee’s will need to submit a site development plan for review by El Paso County staff.
The site development plan is an administrative review and approval process. County staff will review the proposal for compliance with applicable technical requirements, including:
- Lighting
- Landscaping
- Parking
- Traffic
- Required roadway improvements
- Other applicable technical design requirements
If the site development plan satisfies all applicable technical design requirements, it will be approved administratively.
The site development plan does not return to the Board of County Commissioners for approval, and there is no appeal of that administrative approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
Why the August 27 Hearing was Different from a Regular Commissioner Meeting
The August 27 appeal was a quasi-judicial proceeding. The Board was required to base its decision on the applicable provisions of the El Paso County Land Development Code and the evidence contained in the public hearing record.
As legally required, the decision was not based on the number of people supporting or opposing the proposed use.
Key Takeaways
- The El Paso County Board of Commissioners determined that the proposed Buc-ee’s use qualifies as an allowed use in the C-1 zoning district.
- The Board did not approve construction of a Buc-ee’s.
- The project must now proceed through the County’s administrative site development plan review process.