Transferable Development Rights
San Francisco, California

The City of San Francisco has implemented the process of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) as an incentive to building owners of preservation properties to preserve older buildings and buildings with significant architectural features. TDR is the difference between the actual square footage of the building to be retained and the square footage of a new building that could be built on the lot as determined by the applicable Floor Area Ratio. Building owners can sell TDR to developers that need extra allowable buildable area. Werner & Sullivan Architects works closely with the building owner and City of San Francisco in processing any or all of the three applications of TDR: Application for Statement of Eligibility, Application for a Certificate of Transfer, and Application for Notice of Use of TDR.