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Snohomish County, Washington Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Feasibility Evaluation
Peter Johnston & Associates, LLC (formerly Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.) conducted a study in 1993 to examine the feasibility of a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program in Snohomish County, Washington. A number of communities in the United States have implemented TDR programs in recent years. Conditions and program elements within these communities which contributed to the successes of these programs indicate the economic , political and regulatory environment generally considered necessary for a viable TDR program. By studying other programs, PJA was able to identify the elements which were present in Snohomish County that would ensure a successful TDR program. To determine if an acceptable TDR program could be designed for the County, an evaluation was made of the regulatory climate within which the TDR program would be expected to operate, and the market climate for purchase of development and transfer of development rights, both from a standpoint of the landowner's expectations of a right's value, and the developer's willingness to purchase rights at a given value. Particular emphasis was placed on the Montgomery County, Maryland program which was established in 1980 and has been considered successful. Selected characteristics of Montgomery County were compared with Snohomish to determine what aspects similar and transferable. Between 1980 and 1990, growth in Snohomish County was particularly rapid, representing a 38% increase in population. While comparisons are useful, the key focus of the effort was to determine whether the regulatory and market climate which re specific and unique to Snohomish County are conducive to a viable Transferable Development Rights program. The final conclusion of the report was that within the context of the Comprehensive Planning program and anticipated regulatory climate, real opportunities for a TDR program in Snohomish County existed. The study provided implementation recommendations to contribute to the process of establishing a program to protect the forest and farm resources of Snohomish County.
Peter Johnston & Associates, LLC 416 Goldsborough Street Easton Maryland 21601 Telephone 410.822.9630 Fax 410.820.5039 Email plj@peterjohnstonassociates.com |