The property Buc-ee\u2019s is considering along Interstate 25 near Palmer Lake is located in a C\u20111 commercial zone, which is intended for general commercial uses.<\/p>\n
But county officials stress that the request is \u201cnot an approval of Buc-ee\u2019s.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\u201cAn administrative determination is a written code interpretation. It does not approve construction, authorize commercial activity, or approve a site development plan,\u201d said Natalie Sosa, interim executive director of communications with El Paso County, in an email statement to The Post.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the event this is found to be a convenience store per the Land Development Code definition in Section 1.15 and therefore a permitted use, future approvals are administrative.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
The county\u2019s Electronic Development Application Review Program<\/a> website shows the project \u201cBuc-ee\u2019s ADM\u201d was created on Thursday afternoon, with Buc-ee\u2019s EPCO LLC submitting a nearly 300-page letter that includes traffic studies, site plans, memos and other supporting documents. The request letter said the proposed development will include an approximately 74,000 square-foot building, 60 multi-product fueling dispensers under two canopies (120 fueling positions), approximately 20 electric vehicle (\u201cEV\u201d) charging stations, approximately 790 surface parking spaces, bicycle parking and associated site infrastructure.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n . The request comes after Buc-ee\u2019s EPCO LLC purchased land<\/a> in April near the intersection of Beacon Lite Road and County Line Road, about 50 miles south of the Denver area.<\/p>\n Buc-ee\u2019s, a larger-than-life roadside stop known for its spotless restrooms, beaver nuggets and almost theme-park-like experience, has drawn widespread attention on social media as it expands beyond its home state.\n<\/p>\n The company opened its first Arizona location<\/a> on Monday, attracting thousands of people, heavy traffic and fans who camped outside, wore Buc-ee\u2019s merchandise and posed with Buc-ee\u2019s famous red-capped beaver mascot ahead of the grand opening. \u00a0\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n Yet, the proposed development has divided the Tri-Lakes community<\/a>. For nearly two years, supporters have praised the project\u2019s potential economic benefits, while opponents have raised concerns about its impact on traffic, water and the character of the area.\n<\/p>\n The Planning and Community Development Director will make the determination in writing, though the decision may also be referred to the Board of County Commissioners. Staff review could take up to 14 business days.<\/p>\n The determination may also be appealed within 30 days of the administrative determination, the county said.\n<\/p>\n Any future development application would be reviewed separately under the applicable county process. Future applications will be posted publicly through the county\u2019s EDARP<\/a> website and planning and development webpage at planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Representatives from Buc-ee\u2019s did not respond to requests for comment.\n<\/p>\n This is a developing story and may be updated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/buceesplans.jpg\")
Image submitted as part of Buc-ee\u2019s EPCO LLC administrative determination request letter. The \u201cBuc-ee’s ADM\u201d project was created on 6\/18\/2026 3:24 p.m. (Image from El Paso County EDARP)\n<\/p>\n
\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sitedevelopmentbucees2.jpg\")
Image submitted as part of Buc-ee\u2019s EPCO LLC administrative determination request letter. The \u201cBuc-ee’s ADM\u201d project was created on 6\/18\/2026 3:24 p.m. (Image from El Paso County EDARP)<\/p>\n