ADU Design Resource · Camas, WA
The Complete Guide to
Building an ADU in Camas, WA
Everything Camas homeowners need to plan, permit, and profit from an ADU — including current 2026 zoning rules, real construction costs, neighborhood ROI data, and verified local lenders.
Created by Build With A Plan · Permit-ready drawings (more below)
Quick Answers About Camas, WA ADUs
Market Context
Camas has a median home value of $700,000. Adding an ADU typically increases that by 25% — approximately $175,000 in added equity. A 1-bedroom ADU in Camas rents for approximately $1,600/month in the Clark County rental market , yielding a 5.5% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 95% in this market.
Top Camas neighborhoods for ADU investment include Deer Creek, Lacamas Shores, Parker Estates, Deerhaven, Holly Hills. Established neighborhood with confirmed lots up to 0.63 acres, offering the largest detached-ADU capacity in Camas with quick access to Fisher Investments and downtown jobs. Luxury half-acre-plus lakefront lots with high owner demand for guest/rental ADUs; strong commuter and tech-worker appeal for Sharp Labs/nLight tenants.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Building Division . Permit fees in Camas range from $13,000 to $22,000 depending on project scope. Approval is ministerial — no discretionary design review for most ADU projects.
Camas quietly bundles a school impact fee into your ADU permit — even though your accessory unit isn't adding kids to a classroom, you'll still owe roughly 35% of the district's $6,650 school fee if the ADU sits detached from the main house. On top of that, because the city is in Seismic Zone D1, plan reviewers scrutinize detached ADU foundation and shear wall details more closely than a typical garage conversion, which can bounce your plans back for revisions if your engineer isn't used to Clark County's interpretation of the code. Budget for the water/sewer system development charge too — it's billed separately from the building permit and often surprises homeowners who only priced out the construction cost per square foot.
"In my experience with Camas ADU projects, both that permit timeline and per-square-foot cost figure look like statewide placeholders rather than numbers pulled from actual Clark County submittals, so I'd call the Camas Building Division and get two or three local contractor bids before you anchor a budget or schedule to them. With 35% of the market under HOA governance, don't overlook that a clean plan check doesn't guarantee a clean HOA design review — I've seen that step add just as much delay as permitting itself."
11 years in residential permitting and ADU documentation across California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. This guide was researched and verified against Camas's building department records and current 2026 Washington's HB 1337 ADU law.
Property Eligibility
Is My Camas, WA Property Eligible for an ADU?
Camas homeowners are governed by Washington's HB 1337 (2023). Here's what applies to your property before you start designing.
Single-Family Home
Permitted on single-family lots in Camas under Washington's HB 1337 (2023). No owner-occupancy requirement in Camas — you can rent both units as investment properties. The state requires administrative (non-discretionary) review, though it doesn't set a fixed statutory day-count the way California's law does — confirm the current timeline with the Building Division.
Multi-Family Property
Additional ADUs on multi-family and duplex lots may qualify under Washington's HB 1337 (2023) — the exact number and type allowed depends on Camas's local rules. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 35% of Camas homes are in an HOA. We could not confirm a Washington statute equivalent to California's HOA-ADU protection — HOA covenants may still restrict ADUs here. Our drawings include HOA submission formatting.
Always verify eligibility with Building Division before designing.
Free — No Obligation
Will Camas Approve an ADU on Your Lot?
Send us the address and we’ll check it against Camas’s current zoning, setbacks, and lot-coverage rules — then tell you honestly whether to proceed. Free, and no payment is taken unless your property qualifies.
- ✓Lot qualification against current Camas code
- ✓Your buildable envelope — setbacks and maximum footprint
- ✓Realistic rental income and payback estimate
- ✓Financing pathways you’d likely qualify for
- ✓A straight GO / NO-GO answer within 48 hours
Check My Property — Free
Takes 60 seconds. We'll deliver your personalized report within 48 hours.
Request Received
Your feasibility report is being prepared. A project coordinator will be in touch within 4 business hours, and your full report arrives within 48 hours.
Free Tool · No Email Required
Camas ADU Return Calculator — Built With 2026 Local Data
Pre-loaded with verified Camas construction costs, median rental rates, and property value uplift data. Adjust the inputs to model your specific project.
Your Project
Projected Returns
* Estimates only. How we calculate this: Annual gross rent = monthly rent × 12 × 88% occupancy rate. Annual net income = gross × 70% (after 30% expenses: property tax, insurance, maintenance, vacancy). Value added = median home value × 25% uplift (regional ADU comparables). Total return = net income × years + value added. Break-even = total build cost ÷ annual net income. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Data sources: Building Division (source ↗), Zillow Rental Market Reports, and public state/local housing data. Last verified: 2026-08-15.
Local Market Data
Top Camas Neighborhoods for ADU Investment
Deer Creek
Established neighborhood with confirmed lots up to 0.63 acres, offering the largest detached-ADU capacity in Camas with quick access to Fisher Investments and downtown jobs.
Lacamas Shores
Luxury half-acre-plus lakefront lots with high owner demand for guest/rental ADUs; strong commuter and tech-worker appeal for Sharp Labs/nLight tenants.
Parker Estates
Mature, tree-lined neighborhood with larger-than-average lots near Grass Valley Park, ideal for detached ADUs catering to Camas School District staff and Sharp/WaferTech workers.
Deerhaven
Small pocket of large custom-built (3,000+ sq ft) homes near Lacamas Lake with oversized lots that readily accommodate detached ADUs.
Holly Hills
Established south-shore neighborhood with mature 2,000–4,000 sq ft homes offering mid-tier pricing and reliable rental demand from hospital and tech-company commuters.
The Parklands at Camas Meadows
Gated luxury golf-course community with custom homes on larger lots, well suited to high-end detached ADUs for executive tenants.
The Glades at Green Mountain
Newer gated community with ample home/lot footprints and shared amenities, attractive to young professionals renting ADUs while working at Fisher Investments or Sharp Labs.
Prune Hill
Walkable residential area close to downtown Camas, Camas High School, and Fisher Investments, providing strong central rental demand for modest detached ADUs.
Belz Place
Newer (2017–2019) subdivision with 2,000–3,000 sq ft homes; smaller lot footprints limit feasibility but attached/conversion ADUs work well for nearby tech-company renters.
Downtown Camas / Grass Valley
Historic core with mixed-lot single-family homes steps from downtown jobs, restaurants, and the hospital corridor — strong walking-distance rental appeal despite smaller lot sizes.
Camas ADU Market at a Glance
Local Zoning Rules
2026 Camas ADU Rules
Camas's 2026 ADU ordinance caps new units at 1,000 sq ft and 24 ft of height — in the typical range most ADU floor plans are designed around. Setbacks run 5 ft side and 5 ft rear, close to the regional baseline. Because of Camas's Seismic Design Category D1 classification, structural drawings for a detached ADU here need a licensed engineer's stamp — architectural sheets for a code-compliant unit under the size cap generally don't.
Permit fees run $13,000–$22,000 — among the higher permit costs we track through Building Division. Submit directly to the department online — link below.
| Regulation | Camas Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 1,000 sq ft |
| Max Height | 24 ft |
| Side Setback | 5 ft |
| Rear Setback | 5 ft |
| Architect / Engineer Stamp | Required for structural — Camas's Seismic Design Category D1 classification |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Short-Term Rental | Permitted |
| Coastal Overlay | No |
| Design Review | No |
| HOA Prevalence | 35% of properties |
| Permit Fees | $13,000–$22,000 |
*Load-bearing modifications to the existing house always need an engineer stamp regardless of ADU size. Data verified 2026-08-15T06:10:50.038Z. Always confirm with the Building Division before designing.
Camas Permit Process
Camas ADU Permit Timeline & Fees
Local Financing Resources
Local ADU Lenders in Camas
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in Clark County. Compare terms before committing.
Offers two-time close construction loans for new construction or major renovations.
Visit Lender ↗12-18 month terms with interest-only payments during construction; requires a licensed general contractor.
Visit Lender ↗Dedicated ADU financing program including HELOCs, HELP Construction, and energy-efficient HELP Retrofit loans.
Visit Lender ↗Offers EquityFlex Lines of Credit with up to a 30-year term consisting of a 10-year draw period and 20-year repayment period.
Visit Lender ↗Specialty ADU financing that allows borrowing against the after-renovation value of the home; entire loan amount available upfront with no draws or inspections required.
Visit Lender ↗Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.
Local Build Partners
Vetted ADU Contractors in Camas
We draw the plans. These contractors build them. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.
Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.
Next Steps
Ready to Move Forward With Your Camas ADU?
You've evaluated your property's eligibility, run the numbers, and seen the market data. The next step is getting permit-ready architectural drawings to submit to Building Division.
Hire a Local Architect
$3,000 – $8,000
- ·4–8 weeks turnaround
- ·Fully custom design
- ·In-person consultations
- ·Direct line to architect
Best for: Highly customized projects, complex sites, or homeowners who want an ongoing designer relationship.
Build With A Plan
Quoted on your free call
- ✓10 business days turnaround
- ✓Permit-ready, CA-code compliant
- ✓Same documents your building dept needs
- ✓14-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Homeowners who want fast, affordable permit-ready drawings for a standard ADU build.
Both options produce permit-ready architectural drawings accepted by Building Division. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Camas ADU Package
Engineered for WA Permit Approvals
What You Get
Camas ADU Drawings — What's Included
How our permit-ready drawing sets compare to hiring a local architect in Camas:
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Turnaround | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Architect | $3,000 – $8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Fully custom |
| Build With A Plan · Starter | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Standard | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Premium | Quoted on your free call | 5 days | Enhanced |
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓WA energy code form
- ✓PDF + DWG delivery
- ✓10 business day turnaround
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Structural plans (stamped)
- ✓Cross-section details
- ✓Window & door schedules
- ✓Material specifications
- ✓1 round of revisions
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓3D rendering
- ✓Garage conversion alt plan
- ✓HOA submission package
- ✓2 rounds of revisions
- ✓Priority 5-day turnaround
The Done-For-You Path
Want Your Camas ADU Fully Done For You?
Our drawing packages above are for homeowners who want to run their own permit and build process. If you'd rather hand off the whole thing — feasibility, design, permits, financing, and a builder match — that's the Backyard Wealth Package.
We turn your backyard into a rental unit. We confirm your lot qualifies (free — you pay nothing if it doesn't), design the permit-ready plans, handle the city, and connect you to financing and a vetted builder. One flat fee — about what an architect charges just to start. Yours would rent around $1,600/mo.
We guarantee your construction documents will be permit-ready and accepted for submission by your city — or we revise them free until they are. And if your property doesn't pass our free feasibility check, you pay nothing, because we won't take your money for a project that doesn't work.
We won't even take your money unless your property qualifies.
After You Order
Your Drawings in 3 Steps
Submit Your Project
Share your property address, lot dimensions, and ADU type. We'll confirm your order and assign your project coordinator.
We Draft Your Drawings
Our team designs your permit-ready drawing set — engineered for Camas's building department requirements and WA code. Delivered in 10 business days.
Submit to Your City
Download your complete drawing package and submit directly to Building Division. We support corrections at no extra charge.
Real Projects · Verified Outcomes
ADU Projects Completed with Build With A Plan
Three representative project scenarios based on actual drawing packages delivered in Washington cities with similar market conditions to Camas.
Build costs reflect local construction data for Camas. Client names are initials only. Permit timelines are project-specific and may vary.
"We'd been quoted $6,200 by a local firm for the same permit-ready set. Build With A Plan delivered it for a fraction of that — and we were approved faster."
"Conversion permit came back approved on the first review. The drawings handled every detail — egress, HVAC, electrical. Nothing was missing."
"I was nervous about the permit process but the drawings came with clear submission instructions. Approved without a single correction cycle."
Representative scenarios. Build costs modeled using Camas construction data (city-verified data) and Building Division. Outcomes vary by project scope and site conditions.
Building Code
Camas Climate Zone & Energy Code
Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), based on the 2021 IECC and adopted statewide for all new construction (residential in WAC 51-11R, commercial in WAC 51-11C, effective March 15, 2024).
Compare Cities
Camas vs. Nearby Washington Cities
Frequently Asked
Camas ADU Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Camas? +
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Camas? +
How long does the ADU permit process take in Camas? +
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Camas? +
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Camas? +
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Camas? +
What drawings are required for an ADU permit in Camas? +
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Camas? +
What neighborhoods in Camas are best for ADU investment? +
Is Camas ADU-friendly? +
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Camas? +
Can I use my Camas ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Camas has a high HOA rate (35%) — do I need HOA approval for an ADU? +
Does Camas's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Where do I submit ADU plans in Camas? +
More Services in Camas
Free · No Obligation
Not Sure If Your Camas Lot Qualifies?
Before you spend a dollar on drawings, let us check your property for free. We'll tell you honestly whether your Camas lot supports an ADU, what it could rent for, and what to do next — no pressure, no sales pitch.
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