Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)
Localities can proactively support land conservation by establishing a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program. Publicly supported PDR programs pay landowners-usually working farmers-to limit the development potential of their land through a conservation easement. With a PDR program in place, farmers can choose to cash in some of the equity in their land, without losing ownership or their ability to farm the land. This option offers farmers a financially competitive alternative to selling their land for development. Considering the potential savings in construction and maintenance of schools, roads, and other public services, these programs can save localities more than they cost. PDR Programs in the PEC Service Area: Albemarle County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, Rappahannock County.

Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) programs use a market-based approach to encourage higher density development in growth areas while reducing the development potential of rural areas. Rural areas identified for protection are designated as "sending areas" and growth areas where density is encouraged are designated as "receiving areas." Landowners in the sending areas can sell development rights to developers who plan to build in the receiving areas. Some jurisdictions establish banks for development rights they purchase from land owners. Developers may go either to landowners directly to ask to purchase development rights or buy them from the bank. But unless a locality decides to establish a bank for TDRs, the transactions do not require public monies.