The City of Derby Planning Commission on Nov. 6 approved a special‑use permit allowing conversion of the rear portion of an existing 24×48 detached garage at 2925 N. Jackson Blvd. into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) of about 552 square feet.

Assistant City Planner Everett Haynes described the site as a corner lot developed with a roughly 2,300‑square‑foot single‑family home and a detached garage. Staff noted ADUs require a special use in Derby’s R‑1 district and presented supplemental ADU regulations: the ADU must remain accessory to and under the same ownership as the principal dwelling, may not be sold separately, must conform to bulk regulations, may not have a separate driveway, and utilities must be served through the primary dwelling’s connections.

During public comment a nearby resident, Tony Tackett, said she and other neighbors believed the area was owner‑occupied and voiced concerns that rental turnover, traffic and tenant screening could harm neighborhood stability. Tackett said, “I was under the impression that these are all owner occupied residences,” and described prior experience managing rental properties and criminal incidents that shaped her opposition.

Applicants Patrick and Carolyn Hatfield said they intend to use a tenant‑screening service (TenantQuest), said they plan mid‑term rentals of at least 90 days if the house is rented while they travel, and that the ADU is intended for their own short visits when they return. The Hatfields told the commission they have arranged for cleaning every three weeks and yard maintenance while away.

Commissioners reviewed the 10 findings of fact and staff recommendations. Staff clarified Derby does not require owner occupancy for ADUs; commissioners emphasized that private covenants would be enforced separately by residents, not the city. Staff and the commission recorded the recommended conditions: ownership must remain common to the primary dwelling, utilities must not be separately metered, the ADU must be limited to the floor plan shown (552 square feet), and it must remain within the existing detached accessory structure.

A motion to adopt findings of fact and approve the special use with the listed conditions passed 8–0.

Speakers quoted or referenced are identified in the public record and the planning staff report.