Conservation Easements
Preserve Your Land. Protect Our Future.
In Fauquier County, we value our farms, open spaces, and scenic views and we want to help landowners protect them for the future. Through conservation easements, you can keep your land in agriculture while making sure it stays undeveloped, even if it’s sold. We offer two great options: the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program, and the opportunity to donate a conservation easement. Whether you’re looking to support your farm or leave a legacy, we’re here to help you find the right path to preservation.
What’s The Difference Between PDR and Donated?
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)
Fauquier County offers the PDR programs to help landowners preserve their land, with a focus on benefiting farmers. The Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program allows farmers to sell the development rights of their land to the County for $60,000 per right, while still maintaining ownership and agricultural use.
How It Works:
- Sell development rights to Fauquier County
- Maintain ownership and continue farming
- Land is permanently protected from non-agricultural development- even if sold
PDR Program Qualifications
To qualify, land must meet the following criteria:
- At least 50 contiguous acres
- Actively used for agricultural operations
- Zoned RA (Rural Agricultural) or RC (Rural Conservation)
- Not already restricted by a conservation easement or similar program
Why Choose PDR?
- Receive $60,000 per development right
- Use funds for farm operations, equipment, or expansion Ensure your land stays in agriculture for future
- generations
- Support the preservation of open space and rural landscapes in Fauquier County
Since 2002, Fauquier County has preserved over 13,000 acres of farmland through the PDR program-more than any other locality in Virginia.
Donated Conservation Easements
You may be able to preserve your land through a donated conservation easement if you don’t qualify for the PDR program.
How It Works:
- Work with County Attorney’s office to donate development rights to Fauquier County
- Maintain ownership
- Land is permanently protected from development- even if sold.
Donate Conservations Easement Qualifications:
To qualify, land must meet the following criteria:
- Property aligns with the County’s Comprehensive Plan
- Has residential development potential to relinquish
- Zoned RA (Rural Agricultural) or RC (Rural Conservation)
- Not already restricted by a conservation easement or similar program
Why Choose Donated Conservation Easement?
- Possible Tax Credits
- Ensure your land stays the same for future generations
- Support the preservation of open space and rural landscapes in Fauquier County
The County is a qualified conservation organization under U.S. Treasury regulations and Virginia State Law. Since 2006, more than 5,600 acres have been protected through easement donations. Interested in donating a conservation easement? Contact us. We’ll work with you and the County Attorney’s Office to guide you through the process.
We’re not accepting applications at this time but stay tuned! We’ll post updates here as soon as the application period opens. Be sure to check back soon or follow us on social media for the latest info.