Planning and Development Services

Skagit County Transfer of Development Rights Project

Skagit County is beginning a project to evaluate possible development of a transfer of development rights (TDR) program. A typical TDR program is a market-based mechanism that encourages the voluntary transfer of growth from places where a community would like to see less development, referred to as sending areas, to places where a community would like to see more development, referred to as receiving areas. Sending areas might include farmland, forestland, or wildlife habitat. Receiving areas typically include cities or other lands that have the infrastructure and services to meet the needs of increased growth. Landowners in sending areas may voluntarily sell the development potential of their land while retaining ownership and continuing to use the land for other purposes such as forestry or agriculture. By purchasing development rights, developers gain access to additional development opportunities in designated receiving areas than would otherwise be allowed.

Additional information about TDR programs and related issues:

• A Resource Guide to Designing Transfer of Development Rights Programs in Washington State, Cascade Land Conservancy for Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, June 2009 [Pdf]
• Washington State Department of Commerce Transfer of Development Rights Main Page
• Ag Prospects TDR Feasibility Study for Skagit County (2006)
• Markets for Development Rights, Lessons Learned from Three Decades of a TDR Program, Resources for the Future, December, 2012
  
• The Future of Washington's Forests and Forest Industries, Final Report, University of Washington College of Forest Resources July 31, 2007
  
  See in particular Study 4: Forest Land Conversion in Washington State, including Section 6: Future incentive programs to maintain forest land in Washington State, which identifies Transfer of Development Rights as one such method.
  
  
• Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland Resolution No. 2013-05 "Approving the SPF Fair and Equal Consideration Policy to Frame and Guide the Organization's Land Protection Efforts."
  
  Includes the goal that "By 2020 there shall be a functioning TDR market place in Skagit County which allows for smart community growth and economic development while protecting our important and valuable agricultural resources lands."
  
  
• Snohomish County Ordinance No. 12-046, Amending the Land Use Chapter of the Snohomish County Comprehensive Plan to Establish [Amend] a Countywide Transfer of Development Rights Program, Approved October 17, 2012

Additional information about TDR programs and related issues:

TDR Project Update with Board of County Commissioners, 11-26-13 [Skagit TV21 video]
Powerpoint slides for 11-26-13 TDR Project Update
Heartland Presentation Slides for TDR Advisory Committee, 11-14-13
Presentation to Skagit County Planning Commission 9-10-13 [ppt]