TDR programs use market forces to fund the conservation of important resource lands. The program allows resource landowners within designated sending areas to sell the development value of their land and keep the right to use their land in ways that won’t impair its natural resource use. Landowners and developers who purchase development rights from sending area landowners can use them to develop land within designated "receiving areas" where intense land uses are more appropriate.

Implementation

Snohomish County is implementing its TDR program in phases. A pilot program was initially established with the City of Arlington for a sending area identified on nearby farmland in the Stillaguamish River floodplain. Under this pilot program, the following steps were taken:

• Sending areas were delineated on the zoning map.
• A new TDR code was adopted (Chapter 30.35A SCC) that includes:
  • a methodology for determining the number of rights that can be transferred from a sending site;
  • a process to certify development rights and issue TDR certificates;
  • a requirement for a permanent conservation easement;
  • authorization for conveyance of certified development rights; 
  • the ability of the county to purchase, hold, and sell certified development rights; and

  • a TDR application form and process.

• The City of Arlington and Snohomish County signed an interlocal agreement to work together to implement the TDR program. 

The City of Arlington adopted a land use code that establishes a receiving area in the city and development rules under the TDR program. Landowners or developers in this receiving area must purchase and use development rights for any new development. The county and city are currently working on revisions to the existing program to address market and development conditions.

TDR Program Expansion 

More Information

For more information, please refer to the TDR Bulletin, Chapter 30.35A SCC, Chapter 30.35B SCC, Chapter 20.37 of the City of Arlington Land Use Code, and Department of Commerce Regional TDR Program.

Snohomish County TDR Study