Field Guide to Transfer Of Development Rights (TDRs)
(Updated March 2011)
Transfer of development rights (TDR) is one "smart growth" tool used to manage land development. TDR is the exchange of zoning privileges from areas with low population needs, such as farmland, to areas of high population needs, such as downtown areas. These transfers allow for the preservation of open spaces and historic landmarks, while allowing urban areas to expand and increase in density. This Field Guide details the basics of TDRs, processes used for creating successful TDR programs, case studies, and more. (K. Stockert, Information & Web Content Specialist)
Smart Growth: Land Use, Zoning, and Growth Management, (National Association of REALTORS®).
EPA Local Climate and Energy Program Webcast Script, (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mar. 31, 2010).
Environmental Benefits of Smart Growth, (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.).
The Impact of Local Supporters on Smart Growth Policy Adoption, (Journal of the American Planning Association, Summer 2009). Q
Smart Growth, (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.).
Transfer of Development Rights Programs: Using the Market for Compensation and Preservation, (Cornell University, n.d.).
Growth Management Factbook, Section 9: Transferable Development Rights, (National Association of REALTORS®, 2nd Edition).
TDR 101, (Washington Business Journal, Aug. 17, 2007).
Transfer of Development Rights in U.S. Communities: Evaluating Program Design, Implementation, and Outcomes, (Resources for the Future, Sept. 2007).
Preserving property: Transfer of development rights saves natural and historic sites, (Commercial Investment Real Estate, Mar./Apr. 2006).
Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities, (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2010).
What Makes Transfer of Development Rights Work?: Success Factors from Research and Practice, (Journal of the American Planning Association, Winter 2009). Q
Reworking Suburbia: Accommodating Second-Generation Growth in White Flint, MD, USA, (Institute of Transportation Engineers, Sept. 2009). Q
Land Use Initiative Memos by Issue: Transferable Development Rights (TDR), (National Association of REALTORS®).
Transfer of development rights (TDR) program, King County, Washington, (KingCounty.gov, 2009).
Association Fails to Overturn Town's Moratorium, (Wisconsin Association of REALTORS® v. Town of West Point, 2008).
Making markets for development rights work: what determines demand?, (Resources for the Future, Oct. 2005).
Some federal, state, and local government agencies offer grants and funding for smart growth initiatives. Below are a few examples of such opportunities.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
Maine State Planning Office Land Use Planning Program
2010 Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant Program, (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation).
Research on Your Own
To search for the most recent articles on mergers and acquisitions, login to NAR's ProQuest account and enter subject terms such as:
- Smart Growth
- Enter into ProQuest text box as SU(smart growth)
- Property transfers and Community Development
- Enter into ProQuest text box as SU(property transfers) AND SU(community development)
Information Savvy!
Many websites, such as Wikipedia, can be great resources to quickly get oriented on a subject before conducting more in depth research. However, anyone in the world can create and maintain a website or write a seemingly legitimate article and may, intentionally or unintentionally, publish false or "misinformation." When reviewing information on the Internet, you should always consider the ABC's:
- Accuracy. Is the information accurate? Can you confirm the same information using other resources published by a different author or organization?
- Author. Who composed the information? Can you easily identify the author and contact the author or website publisher?
- Bias. What bias might the author or author organization have?
- Credibility. What is the author’s or author organization’s credentials for publishing the information? What expertise, experience, or education does the author have in this area that makes him or her qualified to write on the subject matter?
- Currency. When was the web page last updated? Is it possible the information might have changed since this web page was last published?
- Critical eye! Remember to always use your discretion and critical eye to determine whether information you find on the web (or even in books and news sources!) is trustworthy. Putting websites to the ABC test will get you started in developing a strong critical eye.
Books, eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following ebooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Land Use Law for Sustainable Development (Adobe ePub)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
The Smart Growth Manual, (McGraw Hill, 2010). HT 392 D85sg
Beyond takings and givings: Saving natural areas, farmland, and historic landmarks with transfer of development rights and density charges, (Arje Press, 2003). NAC 1565 P95b
Putting Transfer of Development Rights to Work in California, (Solano Press, 1993). NAC 1565 P95
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Agricultural & Farm Land
Field Guide to Development Impact Fees
Field Guide to Zoning Laws & Ordinances
>> Have an idea for a new Field Guide? Click here to send us your suggestions!
The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
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