Planning Commission recommends R7.5 zoning for Johnson annexation; forwards recommendation to city council

The Camas Planning Commission on Feb. 19 voted to recommend the R7.5 zoning designation for the Johnson annexation and approved the Dec. 17, 2024 meeting minutes.

The commission voted 6-0 on a motion by Commissioner Niles, seconded by Commissioner Eschke, to forward a recommendation of R7.5 (the city-recommended medium-density residential designation) to city council for the Johnson annexation zoning decision. The roll-call recorded: Commissioner Hall — yes; Commissioner Niles — yes; Commissioner Maroon — yes; Commissioner Eschke — yes; Commissioner High — yes; Commissioner Anderson — yes. Earlier in the meeting the commission approved the minutes of the Dec. 17, 2024 Planning Commission meeting on a motion by Commissioner High, seconded by Commissioner Anderson; that motion also passed on a roll-call vote.

Staff said the Johnson boundary package includes a legal description and 60%-owner signatures and that the city has sent the materials to the county for verification; the annexation cannot be scheduled with the council until the county provides its verification letter. Staff also noted the commission’s role is to recommend a zoning designation to council rather than to decide the annexation itself.

At the workshop and hearing, staff described the site as being off 20 Eighth near the Goodwin and England intersection, adjacent to Green Mountain Estates and Green Mountain PRD, and noted the proposed zoning must align with the city’s comprehensive-plan designation. Staff’s packet presented three zoning options consistent with the comp plan (R12, R10 and R7.5); staff recommended R7.5 to align with the city’s preferred alternative and recent direction on residential densities. There were no members of the public who testified in favor or opposition during the hearing portion.

Next steps: staff will await the county verification of signatures; if the county’s letter confirms the 60% petition, the city may schedule the annexation for a council hearing where council will take action on annexation and ordinance/zoning adoption.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of Dec. 17, 2024 Planning Commission minutes — motion by Commissioner High; second Commissioner Anderson; outcome: approved (roll-call votes recorded as listed above).

- Johnson annexation (zoning recommendation) — motion: “recommend the city-recommended R7.5 zoning designation for the Johnson annexation” (mover: Commissioner Niles; second: Commissioner Eschke); outcome: recommendation forwarded to city council (6-0 roll call).