Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
A TDR allows unused development rights to be transferred from one zoning lot to another in limited circumstances, often to support preservation goals or other public-policy objectives when a zoning lot merger cannot accomplish the transfer. NYC materials note that landmark-related transfers may be permitted by CPC special permit to adjacent or across-street lots (with additional rules depending on context).
- Where it applies
- NYC; NYS (statutory enabling exists outside NYC)
- When it comes up
- Entitlement structuring; special permit path; massing
- Property types
- NYC landmark-adjacent; special districts; dense commercial corridors
In practice
In operators' models, TDR is rarely "just extra FAR" - it comes with findings, documentation, and often valuation/verification rules that become schedule-critical.
Related terms
Zoning and Land Use
- Air Rights
- Area Variance
- As-of-right Development
- Authorization
- Base Height
- Base Plane
- Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA)
- Building Envelope
- Bulk
- Certification
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.