Buc-ee’s submitted a site development plan this week for a massive travel center and gas station at a vacant site in unincorporated El Paso County, advancing a project that has faced nearly two years of pushback from the Tri-Lakes community.
The Texas-based chain, known for its beaver nuggets, barbecue and clean bathrooms, is seeking to build a 74,000-square-foot facility on a 30.8-acre site near Palmer Lake, about 50 miles south of Denver along Interstate 25.
Plans submitted to the county call for 120 fueling stations, more than 800 parking spaces, EV charging stations, two loading areas on the east side of the building, drive aisles at least 32 feet wide, new landscaping, signage and lighting, according to planning documents submitted on Sept. 14 to the county’s Electronic Development Application Review Program.
The site development plan submission came about three weeks after the El Paso Board of County Commissioners ruled at an Aug. 27 public hearing that the proposed Buc-ee’s qualifies as a “convenience store” under the county’s Land Development Code.
While some Coloradans have eagerly waited to see the company’s red-capped, smiling beaver mascot pop up beyond its Johnstown location north of Denver, the proposed El Paso County site has drawn fierce opposition from neighbors, politicians and a billionaire.
Opponents have raised concerns about the project’s potential effects on traffic, water resources and the character of the surrounding area. The controversy has also led to lawsuits and recall efforts involving Palmer Lake officials.
The Post reached out to Buc-ee’s on Thursday for more details about the project. Crissy Gonzales, a media manager with Buc-ee’s, declined to comment.
The site development plan is an administrative review and approval process, according to the county’s dedicated Buc-ee’s webpage. County staff will review the proposal for compliance with applicable technical requirements, including lighting, landscaping, parking, traffic, required roadway improvements and other design standards.
If the plan meets all 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,” the county said.
Get more business news by signing up for our On The Block newsletter.
Read more A juggling Eagle Scout from Colorado won the 2026 National Civics Bee championship
Read more Food insecurity rose in Colorado this year, new poll suggests
Read more Denver drug operation nets 107 arrests, 223 pounds of narcotics
