What is the difference between a development agreement and a conservation easement?

The difference between a development agreement and a conservation easement in Virginia is that a development agreement is a legally binding contract between a local government and a development company or individual that outlines the details of a project. In some cases, it can include elements such as the amount of land that will be developed, the type of construction and the type of land use that is acceptable. A conservation easement, on the other hand, is a legal agreement between a landowner and either a government agency or a private entity which restricts the use of a certain area of land in order to preserve its natural resources. It is usually used for areas such as wetlands, forests, or wildlife habitats in order to preserve them and prevent them from being developed. Development agreements usually take effect immediately, while conservation easements can be in effect for many years, or even permanently. Furthermore, a development agreement usually involves commerce and economic activity, while a conservation easement is intended to preserve and protect a certain area of land. There are also different rules and regulations for each agreement depending on the state in which the land is located, so it is important to research the local laws before entering into any type of agreement.

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