Buc-ee’s could get more employee parking

Site complies with ‘Dark Sky’ rules

A zoning change — if approved by the City Council — to a 5.15acre tract along Interstate 10 for a future Buc-ee’s will create additional employee parking, officials said.

City staffers Monday also confirmed the retail destination is complying with city regulations to reduce nighttime glare from lights under “Dark Sky” provisions.

The project has faced several hurdles over the last few months, with many residents arguing against allowing the successful roadside chain known for clean restrooms and Beaver Nuggets to set up shop in Boerne.

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously agreed to the change in designation for the tract at the 30-acre property that will soon become Buc-ee’s.

The council is likely to consider the recommendation in January.

A portion of the 5.15 acres “will be geared toward employee parking,” city spokesman Chris Shadrock said Friday.

He added it will not be cordoned off or designated as solely employee parking to allow for customer overflow if need be.

P&Z was tasked with assigning new zoning to the parcel during its Dec. 1 meeting to align with new current development codes.

“You shouldn’t see this glaring, bright light on the horizon from anywhere in Boerne, really.”

— Tim Bannwolf, Planning & Zoning Commission When Buc-ee’s notified the city of its intentions to use the 5.15-acre tract for parking mid-year, city staff discovered the parcel had not been reassigned under the new Unified Development Code, officials said.

“We haven’t seen a proposed amendment to the development agreement yet,” said P&Z Chairman Tim Bannwolf said. “We have asked for that, but that’s something city staff has indicated that’s before the council. Our job is to recommend to council what the proper zoning for this parcel should be.”

During the meeting, Commissioner Susan Friar asked about Buc-ee’s light fixtures being “Dark Sky” compliant, meaning installing shielded light fixtures and limiting glare to enhance a clear view of the night sky and stars.

Ryan Bass, Boerne environmental program manager, told P&Z members Bucee’s “has actually brought all of their lighting to meet our current dark-sky criteria, everything from fixture type to Kelvin levels, to the pole heights, to the actual foot-candle averages that are recommended.”

He added, “They’ve actually done a tremendous job on getting their lighting levels down from what was initially proposed, to where we are today.”

Bannwolf said Buc-ee’s adherence to the regulations is going to make a huge difference to neighbors in Menger Springs, the housing community closest to the site.

“You shouldn’t see this glaring, bright light on the horizon from anywhere in Boerne, really,” he added.