(5)__Considers the impact of the growth rate ordinance on housing affordability; and

(6)__Considers the impact of the growth rate ordinance on neighboring communities;

C.__A requirement that the number of building permits issued annually under the growth rate ordinance must be no less than the average number of permits issued annually by the municipality for the 10 years prior to adoption of the growth rate ordinance;

D.__A requirement in the growth rate ordinance that the municipality review every 5 years the justification in the comprehensive plan under paragraph B to determine whether the growth rate ordinance is still necessary and how the growth rate ordinance may be adjusted to meet current conditions; and

E.__A requirement that residential housing units affordable to low-income households as defined by rule be exempt from building cap provisions within the municipality's growth areas as designated within its comprehensive plan under paragraph A.__This exemption does not apply to communities that provide adequate housing opportunities locally for this income group and that provide a reasonable share of adequate housing opportunities on a regional basis, as determined by the Maine State Housing Authority.__In reviewing and approving proposals for housing units affordable for low-income households, municipalities may require provisions ensuring that these units, as built, will be sold or rented for a price that is affordable for this group as established by rule and that the affordability will be maintained in subsequent resale or future rental of the units.

The office shall adopt rules to implement this subsection.__ Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

3.__Growth rate ordinances that apply outside designated growth areas.__A municipality with a comprehensive plan adopted pursuant to the planning and land use regulation laws under this chapter may adopt an ongoing growth rate ordinance that applies only to designated rural areas if: