The City of Derby Planning Commission on Nov. 6 approved a zoning map amendment to reclassify Lot 17, Block 12 (Rainbow Valley Addition) from the B‑1 Office Business District to the B‑2 Neighborhood Business District.

City planning staff explained the site at the southwest corner of James and Rock was zoned B‑1 in 1996 and the current building was constructed in 2003 for medical and home‑health office users. Around 2015 a retail tenant, Gemstone Jewelers, moved in; staff later discovered the retail use required B‑2 zoning and has occupied the site for about 10 years. Staff recommended approval to bring the property into formal compliance and noted the comprehensive plan identifies the corner for commercial development.

During the hearing staff said the B‑2 district would allow low‑intensity neighborhood retail and small restaurants that the corridor already supports and that Derby’s development standards require screening and landscaping to buffer commercial activity from adjacent residential uses. Commissioners reviewed the city’s standard 10 findings of fact for a zone change and raised no concerns; staff reported no code enforcement complaints related to the existing retail use.

A motion to adopt the findings of fact and approve the rezoning for Lot 17, Block 12 passed unanimously by the eight commissioners present.

What the approval does and does not do: the decision changes the zoning classification for the lot to allow neighborhood retail uses in conformity with the comprehensive plan and city development standards. It does not, by itself, change building permits or site‑plan requirements; any future proposals for new uses or alterations will be subject to applicable permitting and design standards.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this report are identified in the commission record and city staff report.