Sec. 1. 30-A MRSA c. 206, sub-c. 3 is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER 3

MUNICIPAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING

DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

§5245.__Findings and declaration of necessity

1.__Legislative finding.__The Legislature finds that there is a need for the development of affordable, livable housing and the containment of the costs of unplanned growth in Maine municipalities.

2.__Authorization.__For the reasons set out in subsection 1, a municipality may develop a program to provide impetus for affordable housing development within a district of the municipality, as provided in the comprehensive plan adopted by the legislative body of the municipality.

3.__Declaration of public purpose.__It is declared that the actions required to assist the implementation of affordable housing development programs are a public purpose and that the execution and financing of these programs are a public purpose.

§5246.__Definitions

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Affordable housing.__"Affordable housing" means a decent, safe and sanitary dwelling, apartment or other living accommodation for a household whose income does not exceed 120% of the median income for the area as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development under the United States Housing Act of 1937, Public Law 412, 50 Stat. 888, Section 8, as amended.

2.__Affordable housing development district.__"Affordable housing development district" or "district" means a specified area within the corporate limits of a municipality that has been designated as provided under sections 5247 and 5250 to be developed under an affordable housing development program and financed under section 5250-A.

3.__Affordable housing development program.__"Affordable housing development program" or "program" means a statement of