El Paso County approves variance allowing Watts Upfitting to operate vehicle-repair business at Meadowlake Airport, 4-1

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 13 approved a variance of use, VA-24007, allowing TTW Properties LLC (doing business as Watts Upfitting) to operate a commercial vehicle repair garage limited to government-contracted vehicles at Meadowlake Airport, in a 4–1 vote.

The variance applies to parcels within the R-4 planned development zoning district and the General Aviation Overlay (GAO). Commissioners voted after hearing staff analysis, testimony from the applicant and supporters, and objections from the Meadowlake Airport Association and a large group of airport neighbors and hangar owners.

The request covers repair and outdoor storage associated with government vehicles and emergency-response apparatus on roughly 2.5 acres, the applicant and staff said. Applicant John Watts told commissioners his business began in 2018, was purchased in 2021 and now employs technicians and support staff. “We have 16 technicians... and we serve 98% of all local agencies,” Watts said during his presentation. He and his attorney said the business would remain limited to government-contract work as a condition on the site plan shown to the board.

Staff planner Carrie Parsons summarized the land-development code process and said a variance of use is the appropriate mechanism where a proposed…