PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — In an effort to further protect its rural landscape, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) along with the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board has increased the purchase price of Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) to $6,000. This marks a significant step up from the previous rate of $5,500 established in September 2023.
The TDR Reserve program, pivotal in the county’s strategy to preserve agricultural and forested lands, operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no limit on the number of TDRs a landowner can sell to the county, and all transactions are dependent on both funding availability and TDR supply.
Under the program, the purchased TDRs are held temporarily by the BOCC, which later resells them at the original purchase price plus an additional 1% administrative fee. This revolving fund mechanism ensures a continuous cycle of purchasing and selling development rights, which supports the county’s commitment to maintaining its rural character.
Applications for participating in the TDR program are open to both buyers and sellers and can be found on the county’s official website. Interested parties can submit their completed forms either via email or by mail to the Department of Planning & Zoning.
The TDR Reserve program offers a governmental alternative to private market negotiations, making it easier for landowners in Agricultural Preservation Districts to engage in conservation efforts. By controlling where development can occur, the program effectively increases density in designated residential growth areas while safeguarding spaces crucial for agriculture and natural preservation.
For further details on participating in the TDR program or to understand more about its benefits to the rural community and conservation efforts, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Rural Planner Jennifer David at the contact details provided.
This initiative highlights Calvert County’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship, balancing development pressures with the urgent need to preserve its unique landscapes for future generations.
