Prince William County Extends Purchase of Development Rights Program Application Period Through September 30

Prince William County has extended the application period for its new Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program to provide eligible landowners with additional time to apply.

The inaugural application period, which originally opened on July 1, 2026, and was scheduled to close on August 31, 2026, will now remain open through September 30, 2026.

The extension gives property owners an additional month to gather required documentation, review program requirements, and submit their applications. The program was initially announced in April and officially opened to applications in July.

The PDR Program is a voluntary land preservation program that allows eligible landowners to permanently protect their property while receiving financial compensation for the development rights associated with their land. Through the program, Prince William County purchases residential development rights and records a permanent open-space easement on the property. The land remains privately owned and may continue to be used for farming, forestry, and other permitted uses outlined in the easement.

By participating in the program, landowners help preserve farmland, forests, historic landscapes, and environmentally sensitive areas while supporting long-term conservation goals identified in the Prince William County Comprehensive Plan. The program also helps protect natural resources, maintain rural character, and preserve important water resources for future generations.

Properties may be eligible if they:

• Consist of at least 20 acres, either as an individual property or as contiguous parcels submitted together
• Are located within eligible Comprehensive Plan land use designations
• Qualify for residential subdivision without Board of County Supervisors approval
• Meet all other program eligibility requirements

Applications will continue to be reviewed for completeness and eligibility before being evaluated through the County's established ranking process. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee that development rights will be purchased. Final purchase decisions are made by the Board of County Supervisors and are subject to available funding.

Eligible landowners are encouraged to take advantage of the extended application period and submit their applications before the new September 30, 2026, deadline.

To learn more about the program, review eligibility requirements, or access application materials, visit the PDR Program webpage.