Downtown Camas is poised for a notable shift in parking dynamics as the city advances plans for a replacement of Fire Station 41. The initiative, focused on modernizing emergency infrastructure, will necessitate reevaluating how parking is allocated in the heart of the city.

At the center of changes is a Major Variance request (File No. VAR25‑1001), submitted by the city to modify off‑street parking requirements under the Camas Municipal Code. The variance pertains to the property at 528 NE 4th Avenue—currently occupied by the City Hall Annex and a staff parking lot—and is critical to the site’s redevelopment as the new Camas‑Washougal Fire Department (CWFD) headquarters station. The application was deemed technically complete on December 3, 2025, and a public hearing was rescheduled to take place on January 26, 2026. The public comment period remains open, with written submissions accepted until noon on the day of the hearing and oral testimony welcome in person or via Zoom. Materials such as the parking site plan and project narrative are available for review through the Community Development Department.

Redeveloping this site requires closing—or vacating—the northern half of Everett Street between 3rd and 4th avenues, a move intended to provide sufficient space for fire station facilities while maintaining adjacent property access. The envisioned layout also includes a “pocket park” along 4th Avenue and improved egress onto 3rd Avenue for emergency vehicles—aims that promise both functional and aesthetic enhancements downtown. However, this change would eliminate four public parking spaces along Everett Street and remove city staff parking in the annex lot. According to reporting by the Camas‑Washougal Post‑Record, city officials are actively exploring parking mitigation strategies to offset these losses.

These developments are part of a broader effort to replace the outdated Station 41 with a modern, multi‑purpose facility capable of meeting seismic safety, ADA compliance, operational efficiency, and community-facing needs. Funding hinges on a voter-approved $26.3 million bond, which would enable the comprehensive replacement project—including apparatus and administrative consolidation—expected to begin construction in 2025 if approved.

Why this matters: Downtown Camas is densely built, and parking availability is already tight for residents, businesses, and visitors. The loss of public stalls—while perhaps modest in number—poses potential ripple effects for commerce, community events, and accessibility. If not addressed through clear mitigation plans such as added stalls, shared use strategies, or incentives for alternative modes of transit, these changes may impact downtown vitality.

The public is urged to engage. Written comments are due by 12:00 pm on January 26, 2026, and oral testimony will be received during the in‑person or virtual hearing before the Hearings Examiner at City Hall. City staff and the Community Development Department can provide further project materials and procedural guidance.

This story will be updated as the public hearing concludes and as the city advances mitigation strategies.