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Public hearing

Board of County Commissioners: Buc-ee's appeal hearing

Thursday, August 27, 2026 · 9:00 am · Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs · El Paso County Board of County Commissioners

What happened

Recap posted Oct 25, 2026
ApprovedVote 4–1

Commissioners grant Buc-ee's appeal, 4–1

After a hearing of more than eight hours, the Board of County Commissioners voted 4–1 to grant Buc-ee's appeal, so the proposed travel center may be treated as an allowed use in the site's C-1 zoning. Commissioner Lauren Nelson made the motion, based on the project's similarity to uses already allowed in C-1, and Commissioner Cory Applegate seconded it; Commissioner Bill Wysong voted no.
Centennial Hall reached capacity. Public testimony ran almost five hours, with speakers limited to 90 seconds each. By the Monument Independent's count, about 160 people spoke against the appeal and two spoke in favor.
The county has stated that the decision did not approve construction or a site plan. Resolution 26-260 was recorded August 28.

Aug 27, 2026 · El Paso County Board of County Commissioners
Grant Buc-ee's appeal (APP261): the travel center may be treated as an allowed use in C-1 zoning, as similar to uses already permitted there
Passed 4–1

What’s next

Buc-ee's submitted its site development plan (file PPR2628) on October 12, 2026; county staff review it administratively, with no public hearing.
On September 24, 2026, opponents filed a Rule 106 challenge in El Paso County District Court (2026CV032336) arguing the Board exceeded its authority.

Source: monumentindependent.com

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How to give public comment

El Paso County Board of County Commissioners

Quasi-judicial hearing on Buc-ee's appeal (county file APP261) of the Planning Director's determination on whether a travel center is a "convenience store" allowed in C-1 zoning.

  • Regular Board meetings are Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.; land use meetings are the second and fourth Thursday of the month.
  • Check the posted agenda the week before — items can be moved or continued to a later date.
  • Public comment is taken in person during the meeting. Arrive early to sign in and find a seat; big hearings fill the room.
  • Can’t attend? Send written comments to the commissioners through Citizen Connect before the meeting.
  • Meetings are live-streamed, so you can watch even if you can’t be there.
  • At busy hearings the chair may shorten speaking time — county guidance warned speakers might get one minute, and at the Aug 27, 2026 Buc-ee's hearing each speaker had 90 seconds. Practice a short version of your point.
  • Write your main point in one or two sentences and say it first — speaking time is usually short (often 2–3 minutes).
  • Say your name and where you live; officials give weight to residents of the area.
  • Stick to facts you can back up, and ask for something specific (deny, approve with conditions, delay for more study).
  • Coordinate with others on your side so each speaker covers a different point.
  • Be respectful to everyone in the room — people disagree, and that’s the point of a hearing.
Agenda ↗ Submit a written comment ↗ Watch live ↗ Contact officials

Source: clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com. Rules can change — check the agenda before you go.