Buc-ee's Travel Center — Monument Hill
Buc-ee's has proposed a 74,000 sq ft travel center with 120 fueling positions on 30.8 acres at I-25 and County Line Road on Monument Hill. El Paso County ruled in August 2026 that the use fits existing C-1 zoning (Resolution 26-260). The site development plan (file PPR2628) is under administrative review, and the zoning decision is being challenged in district court (2026CV032336).
Overview
Neutral summary · community maintainedBuc-ee's, the Texas-based travel center chain, has sought since 2024 to build its second Colorado location at the I-25 / County Line Road exit on Monument Hill, between the Town of Monument and the Town of Palmer Lake.
The Palmer Lake annexation (2024–2026)
The project was first pursued through annexation into the Town of Palmer Lake, which would have provided water service. Palmer Lake's Board of Trustees found the land eligible for annexation on December 12, 2024 (Resolution 60-2024). In September 2025 the Palmer Lake Planning Commission recommended denying the proposed Planned Development zoning (Resolution 61-2025), citing scale, small-town character, water and night-sky concerns. The property owner, Monument Ridge West, LLC, withdrew the annexation application in February 2026.
The county path (2026)
The property was transferred to Buc-ee's EPCO, LLC, and the approval path moved to El Paso County, where the land is zoned C-1 (commercial). Buc-ee's asked the county to classify the travel center as a "convenience store" (file ADM264). The Planning and Community Development director could not make that determination, and Buc-ee's appealed on July 7, 2026 (file APP261). On August 27, 2026, after a day-long quasi-judicial hearing, the Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 that the use is allowed in C-1. Resolution 26-260 was recorded August 28. The county has stated that this decision did not approve construction or a site plan.
The site development plan (file PPR2628)
Buc-ee's submitted its site development plan on October 12, 2026. According to the applicant's submitted plans, which remain subject to county review, the project includes a 74,000 sq ft store, two fuel canopies with 120 fueling positions, about 810 parking spaces, two on-site wells drawing from the Arapahoe and Denver aquifers, a 500,000-gallon water tank, three detention ponds, and a sewer line to the Monument Sanitation District. The applicant's traffic study estimates about 22,150 trips per day, most of them diverted from I-25, and recommends new signals at both I-25 ramps and a realigned County Line / Beacon Lite intersection. The applicant's schedule shows construction from spring 2027 to fall 2028.
County staff are reviewing the plan with comments from 18 agencies, including CDOT, the Town of Monument, Douglas County and Tri-Lakes Monument Fire. If it meets code, the plan is approved administratively by the planning director, with no public hearing and no appeal to the Board of County Commissioners.
The court challenge
On September 24, 2026, Tri-Lakes Preservation, The Community Voice, the High Pines Patio Homes HOA and six nearby residents filed a Rule 106 complaint in El Paso County District Court (2026CV032336) against the Board of County Commissioners and Buc-ee's EPCO, LLC. The complaint argues the project is a "gas station," which is not allowed in C-1, and that the Board skipped a required step in the similar-use test. It does not ask the court to halt the project while the case proceeds.
Positions in the record
Buc-ee's argued at the August hearing that the business meets the county's literal definition of a convenience store because it sells goods as well as fuel. About 160 people spoke against the appeal and two spoke in support. Opponents, including the Town of Monument, have cited the project's regional scale, I-25 traffic and winter safety on the Palmer Divide, water supply, wildlife, light pollution, property values and the loss of further public hearings.
Questions & answers
Sourced, neutral answers to common questionsHas Buc-ee's been approved to build here?
Not yet. On August 27, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners decided 4–1 that a Buc-ee's travel center is an allowed use under the site's existing C-1 zoning (Resolution 26-260). The county has said that decision did not approve construction or a site plan.
Buc-ee's submitted its site development plan (county file PPR2628) on October 12, 2026. County staff are reviewing it, with comments from other agencies.
Will there be a public hearing on the site plan?
According to El Paso County, no. The site development plan goes through administrative review: county staff check it against requirements such as lighting, landscaping, parking and traffic. If it meets the code, the planning director approves it. An approved plan would not go back to the Board of County Commissioners and could not be appealed to the Board.
What is the Rule 106 lawsuit asking for?
On September 24, 2026, nine plaintiffs — Tri-Lakes Preservation, The Community Voice, the High Pines Patio Homes HOA and six nearby residents — filed a complaint in El Paso County District Court (case 2026CV032336) against the Board of County Commissioners and Buc-ee's EPCO, LLC.
Under Colorado's Rule 106, they ask a judge to review whether the Board exceeded its authority. The complaint argues the project is a "gas station," which is not allowed in C-1 zoning; that the Board skipped a required step in the similar-use test; and that the record doesn't support the Board's findings. It asks the court to reverse the decision or send it back to the Board. It does not ask the court to halt the project while the case proceeds.
Where would the water come from?
According to the applicant's submitted plans, which are still under county review, the site would use two on-site wells drawing from the Arapahoe and Denver aquifers, with a 500,000-gallon water tank, and a sewer line to the Monument Sanitation District.
KRDO reported in October 2026 that a hearing on a water usage dispute is set for December; opponents argue the county should not approve the project until that dispute is resolved.
How much traffic would it bring?
The applicant's traffic impact study estimates about 22,150 trips per day, most of them diverted from I-25 rather than new trips. It recommends new traffic signals at both I-25 ramps and a realigned County Line Road / Beacon Lite Road intersection. County staff and CDOT review the study as part of the site plan.
How big is the proposed project?
According to the applicant's submitted plans: a 74,000 sq ft store, two fuel canopies with 120 fueling positions and about 810 parking spaces on 30.8 acres at I-25 and County Line Road, with three detention ponds. The applicant's schedule shows construction from spring 2027 to fall 2028. All of this is subject to county review.
Why isn't this going through Palmer Lake anymore?
The project was first pursued through annexation into the Town of Palmer Lake, which would have provided water service. Palmer Lake's Board of Trustees found the land eligible for annexation in December 2024, and in September 2025 the Palmer Lake Planning Commission recommended denying the proposed Planned Development zoning (Resolution 61-2025). The property owner withdrew the annexation application in February 2026. The land then went through El Paso County, where it is already zoned C-1 (commercial).
How can I make my voice heard?
Whatever your view: contact the commissioners and agencies listed under "Contact officials" on this page; follow the case to get an email when something changes; and watch "Upcoming dates" for hearings you can RSVP to and speak at. Written comments to the commissioners can be sent through the county's Citizen Connect portal.
Have a question? Log in to ask it.
Timeline
Add an event-
2024
Project announced
Buc-ee's identifies the I-25 / County Line Road site on Monument Hill for a second Colorado location.
Source ↗ -
December 2024
Developer community meeting draws 300+ residents
At Palmer Lake Elementary, residents question the developer team about traffic, winter weather, light pollution, property values and wildlife.
Source ↗ -
Dec 12, 2024
Palmer Lake finds land eligible for annexation (Resolution 60-2024)
The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees determines the Monument Ridge West property is eligible for annexation, starting the annexation process.
Source ↗ -
Jan 10, 2025
Lawsuit challenges Palmer Lake's annexation eligibility decision
Residents and the group Integrity Matters file suit in El Paso County District Court challenging Resolution 60-2024.
Source ↗ -
Sep 3, 2025
Palmer Lake Planning Commission recommends denial (Resolution 61-2025)
After a hearing that began August 20, the Planning Commission recommends the Board of Trustees deny Planned Development zoning, citing scale, small-town character, impermeable surface, water, night sky and compatibility. It lists conditions if the Board approves anyway.
Source ↗ -
Feb 4, 2026
Palmer Lake annexation application withdrawn
Monument Ridge West, LLC withdraws its annexation application without stating a reason.
Source ↗ -
March 2026
Boundary line adjustment approved; stop-work order issued
El Paso County approves a boundary line adjustment for the parcel and issues a stop-work order on site activity.
Source ↗ -
March 2026
Property transferred to Buc-ee's EPCO, LLC
Ownership passes from Monument Ridge West, LLC to Buc-ee's EPCO, LLC.
Source ↗ -
May 14, 2026
Residents comment at county land use meeting
Speakers raise water, wildlife, traffic and property value concerns. No land-use action taken.
Source ↗ -
Jun 23, 2026
County director cannot determine use classification (ADM264)
Buc-ee's asks whether the travel center is a "convenience store" or a similar allowed use in C-1. The Planning and Community Development director is unable to make that determination.
Source ↗ -
Jul 7, 2026
Buc-ee's files appeal (APP261)
Buc-ee's EPCO, LLC appeals the director's determination to the Board of County Commissioners.
Source ↗ -
Jul 21, 2026
Residents ask commissioners for evening hearing and equal time
Tri-Lakes residents urge the Board to reject the classification and change hearing procedures.
Source ↗ -
August 2026
Town of Monument urges county to deny classification
Monument Town Council calls on commissioners to uphold the original determination.
Source ↗ -
Aug 27, 2026
Commissioners grant Buc-ee's appeal, 4-1
After a day-long quasi-judicial hearing with about 160 speakers opposed and two in support, the Board rules the use is allowed in C-1 zoning. Remaining approvals become administrative.
Source ↗ -
Aug 28, 2026
Resolution 26-260 recorded
The Board's written decision on the appeal is recorded.
Source ↗ -
Aug 31, 2026
Site plan file PPR2628 opened
The county opens the plot plan review project for the Buc-ee's site development plan. The applicant uploads plans and studies through September.
Source ↗ -
Sep 24, 2026
Zoning decision challenged in district court (2026CV032336)
Tri-Lakes Preservation, The Community Voice, the High Pines Patio Homes HOA and six residents file a Rule 106 complaint against the Board of County Commissioners and Buc-ee's EPCO, LLC. No stay is requested.
Source ↗ -
Oct 12, 2026
Site development plan accepted for review
Fees are paid, a project manager is assigned, and the plan is referred to 18 county offices and outside agencies, including CDOT, the Town of Monument, Douglas County and Tri-Lakes Monument Fire.
Source ↗ -
Oct 19, 2026
Residents reaffirm opposition at community meeting
More than 100 residents gather in the Monument area while the court challenge and county review continue.
Source ↗
Decisions & votes
From public meetings, with sources- Carrie GeitnerYes
- Cory ApplegateYesSeconded
- Holly WilliamsYes
- Lauren NelsonYesMade the motion
- Bill WysongNoLone vote against
What officials and candidates said 6 statements, each with its source
“I do not believe they met that burden of proof.”Said the applicant hadn’t met its burden of proof, and objected to comparisons based on conceptual plans that hadn’t been through engineering review.
“I think the burden of proof has been met here.”Said the applicant had met its burden of proof, and that the board shouldn’t change the rules after the fact because it dislikes an outcome.
“The key picture that probably leads me to vote yes is this cutout of the corner property.”Said she had gone back and forth and was troubled by the project’s scale, but that the site sitting entirely on C-1 land led her to vote yes.
“I am a huge private property rights advocate.”At a League of Women Voters candidate forum, defended the decision as based on the criteria and the evidence in the record, and called herself a strong advocate of private property rights.
“This 30 acres has been zoned commercial for 68 years.”Made the motion to grant the appeal, based on the project’s similarity to uses already allowed in C-1 zoning and the site’s long history of commercial zoning.
“If Buc-ee's wants to come, then come to a community that wants them there as an anchor store.”At a League of Women Voters candidate forum, opposed the decision, citing the store’s size and lighting and the site’s location next to a state park, and said Buc-ee’s should go to a community that wants it.
Community positions
+ Start a positionPositions are started and run by community members, not by StandLocal. Each member can back one position per case.
Petitions
+ Start a petitionPetitions ask a specific decision-maker for something specific. Anyone can sign — no account needed.
Contact decision-makers
3 messages and calls so farThese are the officials and agencies with a say in this case, and what each one can actually do. StandLocal suggests talking points for every side — pick yours, then put it in your own words. Personal, local, respectful messages carry the most weight.
County
Gives the final administrative approval on the site development plan (file PPR2628). Staff review is limited to whether the plan meets county code — lighting, landscaping, parking, drainage, traffic and road improvements. There is no public hearing and no appeal to the commissioners.
Manages the county’s review of the Buc-ee’s site plan and collects comments from the 18 referral agencies. Comments about specific code issues (traffic, drainage, lighting, water) are most useful here. Ask that your comments be included in the file.
Represents northern El Paso County and voted with the 4-1 majority on the August 27 appeal. The board no longer votes on this site plan, but it sets the Land Development Code — including whether large travel centers should require a public hearing in the future. Term-limited; her seat is on the November 2026 ballot.
Chairs the board and voted with the majority, saying the burden of proof had been met. The board controls changes to the Land Development Code.
Cast the lone vote against the Buc-ee’s appeal on August 27. The board controls changes to the Land Development Code.
Voted with the majority on the appeal. The board controls changes to the Land Development Code.
Voted with the majority, noting the land has been zoned commercial for nearly 70 years. The board controls changes to the Land Development Code.
State
Represents the area around the site at the Capitol. State legislators can raise concerns with CDOT about the I-25 interchange and access permit, and can sponsor changes to state land-use, water and transportation law.
Represents the area around the site in the state House. State legislators can raise concerns with CDOT about the I-25 interchange and access permit, and can sponsor changes to state land-use, water and transportation law.
Previously asked Buc-ee’s to choose a different location. The governor appoints CDOT leadership, which decides the state highway access permit for the I-25 ramps. His term ends in January 2027.
State agencies
CDOT decides the state highway access permit and the signal and ramp changes at the I-25 / County Line Road interchange. The applicant’s traffic study cites a CDOT acceptance that isn’t in the county file.
Cities & towns
The town’s annexation of the site was withdrawn in February 2026, so the town no longer decides this project. Palmer Lake residents live closest to the site, and the board can submit comments to the county and CDOT. Emails to the address below are distributed to the board.
The Town Council formally asked the county to reject the convenience-store classification and is one of the agencies reviewing the site plan. The town can comment on traffic and services that affect Monument residents. Mayor Mitch LaKind is not seeking re-election in November 2026.
Courts
Decides whether the August 27 decision stands. Courts don’t take public comment — follow the case through filings, not messages.
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Discussion
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Documents & public records
Add a documentKey documents, explained
Resolution 26-260 — Board decision on Buc-ee's appealThe Board of County Commissioners' written decision on Buc-ee's appeal (county file APP261), recorded August 28, 2026. It records the Board's 4–1 decision granting the appeal, so the proposed travel…Open the document ↗ County statement on the Aug. 27 decisionThe county's public statement after the August 27 hearing. It explains that the Board found the proposed use allowed in C-1 zoning and stresses that the decision did not approve construction or a sit…Open the document ↗ Palmer Lake Planning Commission Resolution 61-2025The Town of Palmer Lake Planning Commission's September 2025 recommendation to deny the Planned Development zoning that would have come with annexing the site into Palmer Lake. It cites scale, small-…Open the document ↗ PPR2628 — Traffic impact studyThe applicant's estimate of how the project would affect traffic. It projects about 22,150 trips per day, most of them diverted from I-25 rather than new trips, and recommends new signals at both I-2…Open the document ↗-
County file APP261 — appeal (all documents)El Paso County EDARP page for the appeal, with the full hearing record.
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County file ADM264 — administrative determination (all documents)El Paso County EDARP page for the convenience-store determination request.
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PPR2628 — Roundabout design reportCounty Line / Beacon Lite intersection design. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Zoning verification letterFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Electric provider commitment letterFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Natural gas commitment letterFile PPR2628.
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County Buc-ee's update pageEl Paso County Planning & Community Development summary of the process and dates.
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County file PPR2628 — site development plan (all documents)El Paso County EDARP page for the site plan review, with all submittals and review status.
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PPR2628 — Application / petition formSite plan application. El Paso County file PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Elevation plansBuilding elevations and heights. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Floor plansStore floor plans. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Geotechnical reportSoils, retaining wall and foundations. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Draft development agreement (Word)Word document, with financial assurance attachments. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Water supply reportWater demand and on-site well supply. File PPR2628.
In plain language
How the applicant proposes to supply water: two on-site wells drawing from the Arapahoe and Denver aquifers, with a 500,000-gallon water tank. Water supply is one of the main issues raised by opponents, and a hearing on a water usage dispute was reported to be set for December 2026. -
PPR2628 — Letter of intentApplicant's description of the project. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Site development planSite layout, parking, canopies and access. File PPR2628.
In plain language
The main site layout: where the 74,000 sq ft store, two fuel canopies (120 fueling positions), about 810 parking spaces, access roads and three detention ponds would sit on the 30.8-acre parcel. This is the plan county staff are reviewing administratively. -
PPR2628 — Landscape planTrees, shrubs and landscaping. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Lighting planFixtures and light levels. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Construction drawings (plans and profiles)Civil construction drawings. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Roadway plan sheetsCounty road improvements. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — CDOT plan sheetsI-25 interchange improvements for CDOT review. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Traffic impact studyApplicant's trip estimates and recommended road improvements. File PPR2628.
In plain language
The applicant's estimate of how the project would affect traffic. It projects about 22,150 trips per day, most of them diverted from I-25 rather than new trips, and recommends new signals at both I-25 ramps and a realigned County Line Road / Beacon Lite Road intersection. County staff and CDOT review these findings; residents often focus on winter conditions on Monument Hill. -
PPR2628 — Road impact fee acknowledgementFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Final drainage reportDrainage and detention ponds. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Drainage report checklistFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Stormwater management planFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Stormwater management plan checklistFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Grading and erosion control planGrading, cut and fill. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Grading and erosion control checklistFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Erosion and stormwater quality control permitFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Offsite sewer plansSewer line to the Monument Sanitation District. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Notice of intent: water impoundment structureProof of submittal for detention ponds. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Permanent control measures applicability formFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Permanent control measures O&M manualFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Permanent control measures maintenance agreement (Word)Word document. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Maintenance agreement exhibitsFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Financial assurance estimateFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Site development plan checklistFile PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Sign planProposed signage. File PPR2628.
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PPR2628 — Wildland fire and hazard mitigation planFile PPR2628.
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Resolution 26-260 — Board decision on Buc-ee's appealRecorded written decision granting the appeal. El Paso County file APP261.
In plain language
The Board of County Commissioners' written decision on Buc-ee's appeal (county file APP261), recorded August 28, 2026. It records the Board's 4–1 decision granting the appeal, so the proposed travel center may be treated as an allowed use in the site's C-1 zoning. It does not approve a site plan or construction — that is a separate review (file PPR2628). -
County statement on the Aug. 27 decisionEl Paso County announcement of the Board's determination.
In plain language
The county's public statement after the August 27 hearing. It explains that the Board found the proposed use allowed in C-1 zoning and stresses that the decision did not approve construction or a site plan. -
County staff presentation — appeal hearingPlanning staff slides presented to the Board of County Commissioners.
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Buc-ee's presentation — appeal hearingApplicant's slides presented to the Board of County Commissioners.
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Public correspondence to the Board — Part 7Public comments submitted for the appeal hearing. File APP261.
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Letter to the Board from Brownstein Hyatt Farber SchreckLetter in the appeal record from counsel for nearby landowners opposing the appeal. File APP261.
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Palmer Lake Planning Commission Resolution 61-2025Recommendation to deny Planned Development zoning for the annexation property, with conditions if approved.
In plain language
The Town of Palmer Lake Planning Commission's September 2025 recommendation to deny the Planned Development zoning that would have come with annexing the site into Palmer Lake. It cites scale, small-town character, water and night-sky concerns. The annexation application was later withdrawn. -
Buc-ee's proposal commitments to Palmer Lake (summary)Summary of the applicant's proposed commitments during the annexation, as published by FOX21.
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Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting — annexation eligibilityTown meeting page for the eligibility vote (Resolution 60-2024).
Records still needed
How to request public records →These public records exist but aren’t online yet. Anyone can request them — each one below says where to ask, what to ask for and what it costs. If you request one, click I’ve requested this so neighbors don’t file duplicates, then upload it when it arrives.
NeededRule 106 complaint — Tri-Lakes Preservation et al. v. Board of County Commissioners (2026CV032336) El Paso County District Court (4th Judicial District)
The 24-page complaint lays out exactly why the plaintiffs say the August 27 decision was wrong. News coverage summarizes it, but the filing itself isn't online.
How to get it
1. Open the Colorado Judicial Branch online records request form.
2. Choose El Paso County District Court and enter case number 2026CV032336.
3. Ask for the Complaint (filed September 24, 2026) and any exhibits.
4. Or go in person to the Records Department, El Paso County Judicial Building, 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs (Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m., 719-452-5000).
5. Court records aren't requested under CORA — the court's own public-access rules apply.
6. When you get it, upload the PDF here under Documents and choose this record.
What to ask for
Cost: Court copy fees apply; ask the clerk for the total before paying.
NeededCourt filings and orders in 2026CV032336 (answers, motions, rulings) El Paso County District Court (4th Judicial District)
Buc-ee's and the county will respond to the complaint, and the judge's orders will decide whether the zoning decision stands.
How to get it
1. Use the Colorado Judicial Branch online records request form, or visit the Records Department at 270 S. Tejon St.
2. First ask for the register of actions (the case docket) so you can see what has been filed.
3. Then request the specific filings and any orders by name and date.
4. Commercial sites show the docket for a fee but don't provide the documents themselves.
5. Upload each filing here as its own document.
What to ask for
Cost: Court copy fees apply.
NeededAgency review comments on site plan PPR2628 El Paso County Planning & Community Development
Eighteen agencies — including CDOT, the Town of Monument, Douglas County and Tri-Lakes Monument Fire — were asked to review the plan. Their comments shape what the county requires.
How to get it
1. First check the county's file page for PPR2628 — comments are sometimes posted there as reviews come in.
2. If they aren't posted, submit a CORA request through El Paso County's online request form.
3. Name the file number PPR2628 and ask for all referral comments and any comment summary.
4. Ask for electronic copies to avoid printing charges.
5. The county has 3 working days to respond, extendable by 7 more.
6. Upload what you receive here.
What to ask for
Cost: El Paso County: first two hours of staff time free, then $29.50/hour (paid in advance).
NeededArmy Corps of Engineers comments on PPR2628 (October 13, 2026) El Paso County Planning & Community Development
The Corps returned comments the day after referral, but they weren't posted publicly. They may concern wetlands or drainage on the site.
How to get it
1. Submit a CORA request to El Paso County (the county received the comments, so it holds a copy).
2. Reference file PPR2628 and the October 13, 2026 Army Corps comments.
3. If the county declines, the Corps can be asked under the federal Freedom of Information Act — see the records guide.
4. Upload the response here.
What to ask for
Cost: El Paso County: first two hours free, then $29.50/hour.
NeededCDOT access permit application and acceptance for the I-25 / County Line Road interchange Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
The traffic study cites a July 1, 2025 CDOT acceptance, but no record of it is in the county file, and the CDOT plan sheets show a placeholder permit number.
How to get it
1. Submit a CORA request through CDOT's online request portal.
2. Ask for the access permit application, CDOT's review of the traffic impact study, and any acceptance letter.
3. The form asks whether the request relates to litigation against CDOT — answer no.
4. Access-permit records may be handled by the Region 2 access unit; the portal routes requests.
5. Upload what you receive here.
What to ask for
Cost: CDOT may charge for staff time; it will tell you before proceeding.
NeededDirector's administrative determination letter (ADM264, June 2026) El Paso County Planning & Community Development
This is the decision Buc-ee's appealed — the planning director's written finding that she couldn't classify the use.
How to get it
1. Open the county's file page for ADM264 and look under the documents list.
2. If it's there, download it and upload it here.
3. If not, submit a CORA request to El Paso County naming file ADM264.
What to ask for
Cost: Free if it's posted; otherwise El Paso County CORA fees.
NeededRecording or transcript of the August 27, 2026 appeal hearing El Paso County Board of County Commissioners
About 160 people spoke at the day-long hearing. A recording lets anyone review what was said and what the commissioners relied on.
How to get it
1. Check the county's meetings and agendas site for the August 27, 2026 land use meeting — recordings and minutes are often posted there.
2. If it isn't posted, submit a CORA request to El Paso County for the recording and minutes.
3. Post a link to the recording, or upload the minutes, here.
What to ask for
Cost: Recordings are usually free online; transcripts may carry a charge.
NeededBoundary line adjustment approval and stop-work order (March 2026) El Paso County Planning & Community Development
These changed the parcel lines and halted site activity before Buc-ee's pursued the county path.
How to get it
1. Search the county's development review site for the boundary line adjustment file; if you find it, upload the approval.
2. Otherwise submit a CORA request to El Paso County describing the parcel and the March 2026 dates.
3. Ask for the stop-work order in the same request.
4. Upload both here.
What to ask for
Cost: El Paso County: first two hours free, then $29.50/hour.
NeededDeed transferring the property to Buc-ee's EPCO, LLC El Paso County Clerk and Recorder
The recorded deed shows exactly when ownership changed from Monument Ridge West, LLC and the legal description of the land.
How to get it
1. Search the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's recorded documents by grantee name "Buc-ee's EPCO" or grantor "Monument Ridge West".
2. Note the reception number of the deed.
3. Order a copy online or at the Clerk and Recorder's office.
4. Upload it here — recorded deeds are public records.
What to ask for
Cost: Viewing is generally free; copies carry the recorder's per-page fee.
NeededState well permits for the two on-site wells Colorado Division of Water Resources
The water supply plan relies on two wells in the Arapahoe and Denver aquifers that must be built by March 19, 2028.
How to get it
1. Search the Colorado Division of Water Resources' online well permit records by owner name "Monument Ridge West" or "Buc-ee's".
2. Note each permit number and download the permit and any conditions.
3. If you can't find them, the water supply report in the county file (PPR2628) may list the permit numbers.
4. Upload them here.
What to ask for
Cost: Well permit records are public and usually free to view online.
NeededPalmer Lake annexation application and petition (Monument Ridge West, LLC) Town of Palmer Lake — Town Clerk
The original application shows what was proposed to Palmer Lake, including the water arrangement and the commitments offered to the town.
How to get it
1. Fill out the Town of Palmer Lake public records request form (or write your own request with the same details).
2. Email it to info@palmer-lake.org or mail it to Town Clerk, PO Box 208, Palmer Lake, CO 80133.
3. Ask for electronic copies.
4. The town has 3 working days to respond, extendable by 7.
5. Upload what you receive here.
What to ask for
Cost: Palmer Lake: first hour free, then $30/hour; first 25 pages free, then $0.25/page.
NeededPalmer Lake traffic, fiscal and water studies for the annexation Town of Palmer Lake — Town Clerk
The town commissioned studies on traffic, fiscal impact and water capacity; a Stolfus & Associates traffic study was released to the media but isn't posted officially.
How to get it
1. Submit a public records request to the Palmer Lake Town Clerk (form, email info@palmer-lake.org, or mail).
2. List each study you're looking for.
3. Upload each study here as a separate document.
What to ask for
Cost: Palmer Lake: first hour free, then $30/hour; first 25 pages free.
NeededPalmer Lake Resolution 60-2024 (official copy) Town of Palmer Lake — Town Clerk
The December 12, 2024 resolution found the land eligible for annexation and was the subject of a lawsuit. The only copies online are hosted by advocacy groups.
How to get it
1. Resolutions are routine records — ask the Town Clerk at 719-481-2953 or info@palmer-lake.org for a copy; Palmer Lake says no written request is required.
2. Upload the official copy here.
What to ask for
Cost: Palmer Lake says routine copies of resolutions don't need a written request.
NeededTown of Monument letter opposing the use classification Town of Monument
The Town Council formally asked the county to reject the convenience-store classification. The letter states the town's reasoning.
How to get it
1. Check the county's APP261 file and public correspondence first — the letter may already be there.
2. Otherwise submit a request through the Town of Monument's records portal.
3. Upload it here.
What to ask for
Cost: Usually free for a single letter.
News coverage
Add an article- Buc-ee's Faces Legal Challenge, County Review as More Than 100 Residents Reaffirm Opposition
- Buc-ee's submits site development plan to El Paso County
- Buc-ee's is another step closer to building in El Paso County
- Buc-ee's submits plans for Monument Hill store despite lawsuit challenging El Paso County zoning decision
- Buc-ee's Site Plan: Construction from Spring 2027 to Fall 2028
- Group files court complaint against county over Buc-ee's decision
- Purplish: What the 'Buc'? Buc-ee's back in Colorado headlines
- Commissioners Grant Buc-ee's Appeal, 4-1
- El Paso County commissioners find Buc-ee's allowed in zoning district
- El Paso County upholds Buc-ee's zoning request, clearing way for administrative approval
- Buc-ee's labeled as convenience store in El Paso County
- New proposed Buc-ee's location will move forward without public hearings after appeal passes
- El Paso County Commissioners set to hear Buc-ee's zoning appeal
- El Paso County residents gather ahead of Buc-ee's appeal hearing
- El Paso County commissioners set to hear Buc-ee's appeal of administrative determination
- Buc-ee's development or road construction? KRDO13 gets answers
- Buc-ee's withdraws Palmer Lake application
- Buc-ee's withdraws application from Palmer Lake
- Buc-ee's lawsuit filed against town of Palmer Lake over annexation plan
- Palmer Lake Board deems land for potential future Buc-ee's eligible for annexation
- Buc-ee's submits site development plan to El Paso County staff
- Buc-ee's Opponents File Rule 106 Challenge to County Decision
- Buc-ee's affiliates buy land, may proceed with controversial Tri-Lakes location
- Monument calls on El Paso County to deny classifying Buc-ee's as a convenience store
What residents said
Public comments residents spoke or submitted