Subd. 1. Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them in this subdivision.

1. (a) "Municipality" means a town or a statutory or home rule city.
2. (b) "Nonmetropolitan" means the area of the state outside of the metropolitan area.
3. (c) "Inclusionary housing development" means a new construction development including owner-occupied or rental housing, or a combination of both, with a variety of prices and designs which serve families with a range of incomes and housing needs.

Subd. 2. Application criteria.

The commissioner must give preference to economically viable proposals to the degree that they: (1) use innovative building techniques or materials to lower construction costs while maintaining high quality construction and livability; (2) are located in communities that have demonstrated a willingness to waive local restrictions which otherwise would increase costs of construction; and (3) include units affordable to households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the greater of state or area median income.

Cost savings from regulatory incentives must be reflected in the sale of all residences in an inclusionary housing development.