Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Resources

Recent zoning changes have made it easier for landmark buildings to sell their development rights to neighboring sites. These changes aim to balance preservation and citywide housing goals, giving landmarks new ways to bring in funds through more flexible development rights transfers.

The new TDR changes include:

• Expanded transfer radius: Previously, landmarks could only transfer development rights to directly adjacent lots. Now, receiving sites can be any lots on the same tax block, across the street from the tax block, or at the next intersection of the tax block. Receiving sites can increase density by 20% -30%, depending on the zoning district.
  
• Streamlined process: Proposed transfers of development rights from landmarks can now be approved by a City Planning Commission (CPC) Chair’s Certification and are no longer required to go through the city’s Unified Land Use Procedure (ULURP) process, which allows for much faster outcomes.
• New eligibility: Individual landmarks located within historic districts are now eligible to transfer their development rights.

Looking to learn more? Check out the helpful resources below.

LPC Resources

TDR Fact Sheet: This fact sheet contains helpful information for property owners in historic districts and individual landmark property owners looking for more information on TDRs, including application requirements and LPC’s role in the TDR process.

TDR Guidance for Applicants: This fact sheet provides guidance on LPC’s process and requirements necessary to obtain the report to submit to CPC.