Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program
King County, Washington

Introduction

The TDR program is a voluntary, incentive-based, and market-driven approach to preserve land and steer development growth away from rural and resource lands into King County’s Urban Area. The Program is based on free-market principles and prices that would motivate landowner and developer participation. Rural landowners realize economic return through the sale of development rights to private developers who are able to build more compactly in designated unincorporated urban areas and partner cities. To date the Program has protected 141,500 acres of rural/resource land.

This market in development rights allows rural landowners to receive financial compensation without having to sell or fully develop their land. Developers are financially motivated to purchase development rights from the TDR market as they are able to put additional dwelling units in their projects. TDRs have several non-density uses and benefits, as well.

You can also buy and sell TDRs on the TDR Exchange using information provided in the TDR Market Information section on this website.

Staff Contacts:

Darren Greve
TDR Program Manager                                        
206-263-0435
darren.greve@kingcounty.gov

Michael Murphy
TDR Program Assistant
206-296-8008
michael.murphy@kingcounty.gov

King County TDR Program
201 S Jackson St, Suite 600
Seattle, WA 98104
206-296-0192 Fax
206-296-0200 TDD