Status: Program endorsed by local governments. Beaufort County approved the program by ordinance and staff is developing procedures for implementation. Department of Defense and State of SC have allocated over $500K as start-up funding.

What is the issue?

CCL has partnered with the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) to develop a program that both protects land and prevents encroachment around the Air Station. Under leadership from the Lowcountry Council of Governments, CCL and MCAS are working alongside Beaufort County, the City of Beaufort and the Town of Port Royal to develop a targeted Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program. The program would allow property owners near MCAS (the sending area) to transfer their development rights to designated receiving areas. Areas better able to accommodate growth are designated as receiving. The “receivers” get increased development capacity and the “senders” get financial remuneration for their transferred rights. If successful, this TDR may be used as a model for a county-wide program.

How would it affect South Carolina?

The TDR Program can serve as another means for land preservation as well as a tool for advancing smart growth by directing growth to infill projects in appropriate areas.

What can you do about it?

Support and encourage local governments to develop ordinances to require TDRs for any upzonings within the designated receiving areas.

Photo: MCAS Beaufort