What does TDR mean in GENERAL

TDR stands for Transfer Of Development Rights and is an economic strategy used to protect land from development while allowing developers the use of buildable lots.

TDR works by allowing landowners to sell air rights to developers in exchange for a payment that can be reinvested in preserving or restoring the land. By trading land with development potential for resources such as open spaces, habitats and prime beachfront locations a win-win situation can be created.

Some benefits of using TDR include protecting valuable natural resources from development, creating incentives for rural and/or agricultural conservation, limiting population growth in certain areas and providing funds for public projects such as public parks.

Generally speaking, each local government develops its own regulations regarding TDR implementation; however it is usually handled by either a municipal or county planning commission or a regional authority such as a watershed or special district commission.

Yes, some potential drawbacks when implementing a TDR program include lack of control over where transferred properties are developed if they are not purchased by the local government directly; high costs associated with purchasing receive sites; conflict between landowners who have sold their rights and those whose property has been placed off limits; costly legal battles; and complex zoning laws which may limit implementation options.