Camas WA – I know you’ve heard the hype about it, whether you live in Clark County currently or not. Camas has by far been the most popular location of choice for our clients over the last two years, but Camas is changing.

Today, we’re giving you the scoop on the Northshore Development in Camas, Washington. Watch the video below or read the blog!

Brief Camas Background

Camas WA is located just east of Vancouver and is a sweet, homey town of about 23,000 (as of 2022). Over the last two years we have seen and personally helped tons of people move here for the community atmosphere, natural beauty, schools, and Washington State tax benefits.

Before the papermill stopped producing paper, the city had a stigma for smelling bad and wasn’t the nicest place to live. Now, Camas has the highest median home sale price in Clark County, highest household income, and highest homeownership rate. Oh and good news – it doesn’t smell bad anymore!

There’s been so much growth and change over the last decade,  Camas naturally has to plan for what’s to come. As it stands, there are still thousands of people who would move here if they could.

Northshore Development Growth Plans

The City of Camas plans on adding 12,000+ residents by 2040. But there already aren’t enough homes, so where is everyone going to go?

Enter, the ‘North Shore Suburbia Plan’. If you look at a map, you’ll see that North of Lacamas Lake, there is ample green space, trees, and rural area. The city plans to buy & annex approx. 900 acres of this land to accommodate for Camas’ growth. This master-planned part of the city is currently mostly rural or agriculture zoning.

The development is ‘mixed use’ – it will encompass everything from attached homes to detached homes, commercial buildings, industrial, parks, trails, schools, and more.

Most people have a strong opinion about such a large project like this. Good news, the City of Camas is open to hearing feedback and plans to hold many public hearings throughout the process.

Seven Main Goals of The Project

These are the seven main goals of the project, identified on a draft from the city, found online. (Words are directly from the document, pictures are our own interpretation)

1. “Preserve the North Shore’s natural beauty.
   Policies, regulations and design rules must protect significant trees and groves. Identify and preserve wildlife habitat corridors, and views to the treed hillside and the lake.



2. Plan a network of green spaces and recreational opportunities.
   Integrate a variety of parks, playgrounds, trails and open spaces into residential and employment areas throughout the North Shore area. Create a “green corridor” along the lake that completes the Heritage Trail, provides lake access and buffers the lake from adjacent development.



3. Cluster uses for a walkable community.
   Concentrate homes close to schools and around commercial nodes so residents can meet daily needs without driving. Use sidewalks, pedestrian trails and bike paths to connect residents to neighborhood destinations.



4. Provide a variety of housing options.
   Plan for diverse housing types that are affordable to households of varying incomes, sizes and life stages.



5. Locate Industrial Parks and Commercial Centers to the north.
   Protect the environmental integrity of the lake and aesthetic quality of the area by siting light industrial and office uses away from the lake and adjacent to the airport. Encourage commercial activities along high traffic corridors, such as NE Everett St.



6. Favor local-serving businesses.
   Encourage small, local businesses such as restaurants, cafes and grocers that serve North Shore residents and businesses, while not harming with the economic viability of downtown Camas.



7. Plan for needed schools and infrastructure.
   Ensure adequate roads, schools and utilities are in place before development occurs. Invest in transportation improvements such as a new roadway through the North Shore and NE Everett improvements to minimize traffic impacts and maximize safety. 8. Pace development to maintain Camas’ small town feel. Sustain the city’s quality of life through phased and sustainable growth that contributes to community character.”

Two Plan Options

In early 2022, the city came out with two preliminary plans for the land usage. Read more about the options here.

Option A

Option B

Takeways

For worse or for better, Camas is growing! We all hope that this addition to the city enhances the lives of all involved.

If you’re thinking about moving to or within Camas, whether it be buying or selling, reach out to our team at Dubyne Realty Group using the form below, we would love to be of service to you. We take great pride in our in-depth Camas neighborhood knowledge!