Transfer of Development Rights
Balancing Conservation and Growth
Faced with increasing development pressure and conventional zoning, many townships can expect future growth to consume most of the existing open land. Developers are naturally attracted to the flattest land, often the best agricultural land, and will seek the path of least resistance for approval of subdivision plans. Consequently, the conventional zoning adopted by municipalities promotes the development of important pieces of agricultural and natural land in Pennsylvania into large lot residential subdivisions. Recent statistics indicate that the cost of conventional development to municipalities often exceeds the increase in tax revenues generated by such development.
As an alternative to conventional development, municipalities can adopt a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program. TDR provides townships with a mechanism for encouraging the protection of their rural character, natural resources, historic areas and scenic views, while protecting property values and allowing future growth to occur. A well-designed TDR program can be more attractive economically to developers than conventional development. TDR is currently being utilized by several municipalities in Pennsylvania and can be a useful complement to other land protection tools. Top of Page
Under TDR, development rights are transferred from areas designated for protection (sending zones) to areas designated for future growth (receiving zones). Incentives to choose TDR over conventional development are built into the program. Sending areas are permanently protected by deed restrictions or conservation easements.
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 (above) Pre-Development  (above) Conventional Development  (above) TDR Alternative |
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© 2003 Brandywine Conservancy