(a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the provision of an adequate level of affordable housing, in and of itself, is a fundamental responsibility of the state and that a generally inadequate supply of decent, safe, and sanitary housing affordable to persons of low and moderate income threatens orderly community and regional development, including job creation, attracting new private investment, and creating the physical, economic, social, and environmental conditions to support continued growth and security of all areas of the state.

The Legislature further finds and declares that many rural communities depend on mortgage financing available through the Farmers Home Administration and that the continued construction of affordable housing is a priority for the state. However, the Legislature, in requiring waiver of certain local requirements respecting adequacy of garages and carports and house size, does not endorse the restrictive Farmers Home Administration regulations that preclude financing of two-car garages and houses exceeding a maximum size.

The Legislature further finds and declares that inadequate housing supplies have a negative impact on regional development and are, therefore, a matter of statewide interest and concern.