From land marks to landscapes: A review of current practices in the transfer of development rights

Abstract

This article reviews the concept and history of transfer of development rights (TDR). TDR is increasingly seen as a useful method of preserving open space that reduces the exposure to takings claims. We closely examine four successful, current, rural programs and the structural and political differences among them. The article analyzes the use of dual versus single areas for sending and receiving credits, and zoning-based versus permit-based transfers. It also discusses how jurisdictions can incorporate various characteristics of these programs when developing their own. © 1997 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.