American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Transfer of development rights (TDR) is an effective technique to protect?

1. Zones of contribution to the public

2. Well fields

3. Wetland buffer zones

4. Surface watersheds

The correct answer is: Surface watersheds

Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) is a land-use regulation tool that helps to balance development and conservation by allowing property owners to transfer their rights to develop from one area to another. This technique is particularly effective in protecting surface watersheds because it incentivizes landowners in critical areas, such as watersheds that are essential for water supply and ecological health, to preserve their land. By transferring development rights away from sensitive watershed areas to more suitable development zones, TDR helps to reduce urban sprawl and protect natural water resources, habitats, and ecosystems. In this context, surface watersheds are vital for flood control, water quality, and the overall health of urban and rural environments. By preventing development in these areas, TDR helps to maintain the integrity of the watershed, ensuring clean water and ecological balance. The effectiveness of TDR in this realm contrasts with its application to other options, where the preservation implications may not be as directly tied to a critical water resource like surface watersheds.