Transferable Development Rights (TDR) Program

Under Warwick Township’s Zoning Ordinance, the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) Program assigns every farm within the Agricultural zone (sending area) one transferable development right for each two gross acres of farmland. TDRs are purchased from farmers who wish to preserve their farmland. The purchase price is based on the fair market value of the farmland at the time the TDRs are sold. Since 1991, the TDR program has been successful in preserving over 3,000 acres of farmland.

TDRs are sold for the purpose of increasing lot coverage in the Campus Industrial zone (receiving area). In order to ensure sound land use practices, the maximum lot coverage within the Campus Industrial zone is 10%; however, for each transferable development right acquired, an additional 4,000 square feet of lot coverage is permitted, up to a maximum of 70% coverage.

The Township partners with the Lancaster County Agricultural Preserve Board and/or Lancaster Farmland Trust to preserve farmland. The funds generated by the sale of TDRs are specifically used to preserve additional farmland within Warwick Township.

The Township also partners with developers to review and determine the number of TDRs needed for a specific project within the Campus Industrial Zone. The number of TDRs needed is based on the size of the project, and the size of the tract where the project would be located. This partnership has been successful in selling 652 TDRs since 2001, redirecting more than $1,000,000.00 to farmland preservation.

The TDR program has been an effective planning tool in preserving prime agricultural areas, while directing growth in a responsible and efficient manner.