The Derby City Council voted 6-1 on Oct. 14 to approve the final plat for Spring Ridge Fourth, adopt resolutions necessary for construction of public improvements, authorize recording documents, and adopt a reassessment ordinance related to prior phases.

City Planner Scott Kanable described the plat as a replat of a partly developed neighborhood south of Meadowlark and west of Spring Ridge Drive. The final plat allows for 72 single-family homes, seven two-family (duplex) residences and a larger lot intended for multifamily or multiple two-family units pending future site-plan review. Kanable said the Planning Commission had recommended approval on Aug. 21 and that the developer provided a developer’s agreement, restrictive covenants, and 100% petitions for public improvements so the city would not bear construction costs for that phase.

Council debate: Several council members said they were sympathetic to neighbors’ concerns about duplexes altering neighborhood character. Council Member Stanton cited residents’ expectations that the area would be single-family and said she worried duplexes can become rentals over time in ways that change maintenance standards. “One of the reasons people moved to Derby is because it was a bedroom community,” Stanton said, urging the council to consider long-term community character.

Other members took a more mixed view. Council Member Webster said the layout was appropriate given prior approvals and that duplexes can provide needed, affordable housing if designed well. Council Member Neal said the plat as presented contained a preponderance of single-family lots and was “plotted pretty good.” Council President Nick Engel moved approval and the motion passed 6-1.

Why it matters: The final plat advances residential development in a long-running Spring Ridge subdivision and formalizes a mix of housing types on the site. The vote illuminates ongoing council discussion over housing mix, design standards and where duplexes or multifamily units are appropriate.

Next steps: The larger lot designated for more than one two‑family unit will need site-plan review before additional duplexes or multifamily units may be built; the developer’s agreement and reassessment ordinance documentation will be recorded as required.