How do you determine the value of my development rights?
The easement value of your farm is affected by a number of variables; including location, zoning, road frontage, soil types, and wetland characteristics. To determine the easement value, two state-certified appraisers will be hired by the county to appraise your property. Each appraiser values the fee simple or “before easement” value of your land and its restricted or “after easement” value. The difference between the two values is the appraised value of your “development rights,” or what the county will pay you for your development easement.

Example
Before = $7,000 per acre = Value of land unrestricted
After = $3,000 per acre = Value of land if restricted
Payment = $4,000 per acre = Value of development rights (the price paid by the county to preserve the land)

Show All Answers

1. Why are you contacting me?
2. What is a preservation easement?
3. If I sell the county a preservation easement, do I still own the land?
4. Will sale of the development rights to my land reduce its value?
5. Is there a market for deed restricted farmland?
6. How do you determine the value of my development rights?
7. Why should I sell my development rights to the county?
8. If developers can offer me a higher price, why should I sell to the county?
9. If I sell to the county will the public have the right to come on my property?
10. Is this program open to every farm owner?
11. What do I need to do to be considered for the program?
12. When will I know if I have been placed on the acquisition targeting list?
13. Does the county's focus on large farms mean that the county is not interested in smaller farm properties?
14. After I sell my development rights to the county, can I build a house for a child or other family member?
15. I have a non-agricultural use on my property or may want to establish one in the future, is this allowed?
16. How many farms are currently enrolled in this program?
17. When would the county buy my development rights?
18. Is there a deadline for submitting an application to the county for participation in the program?
19. What happens after I submit my application?
20. Am I required to submit a binding offer with the application to sell the development rights on my property for a certain price?
21. Am I required to accept the county's offer?
22. How do I get more information about the program?