Transfer of development rights (TDR) program
King County, Washington

Introduction

King County's Transfer of Development Rights or “TDR” Program is a voluntary, incentive-based, and market-driven approach to preserve land and relocate development growth away from rural areas and into urban areas.

The Program is based on free-market principles and prices that would motivate landowner participation. Rural landowners realize economic return through the sale of development rights to private developers who are able to build more compactly in designated Urban areas.

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.

For further information see the TDR Program Overview, or for specific questions not answered on the website please contact the staff people listed below, or consult the TDR Code.

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