as overlay zones with sufficient buildable land to satisfy that <br />need. <br />"(4) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, a local <br />government may adopt and apply only clear and objective <br />standards, conditions and procedures regulating the <br />development of needed housing on buildable land described <br />in subsection (3) of this section. The standards, conditions <br />and procedures may not have the effect, either in themselves <br />or cumulatively, of discouraging needed housing through <br />unreasonable cost or delay. <br /> <br />"(6) In addition to an approval process for needed housing based <br />on clear and objective standards, conditions and procedures <br />as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a local <br />government may adopt and apply an alternative approval <br />process for applications and permits for residential <br />development based on approval criteria regulating, in whole <br />or in part, appearance or aesthetics that are not clear and <br />objective if: <br />"(a) The applicant retains the option of proceeding under <br />the approval process that meets the requirements of <br />subsection (4) of this section; <br />"(b) The approval criteria for the alternative approval <br />process comply with applicable statewide land use <br />planning goals and rules; and <br />"(c) The approval criteria for the alternative approval <br />process authorize a density at or above the density <br />level authorized in the zone under the approval <br />process provided in subsection (4) of this section. <br />"(7) Subject to subsection (4) of this section, this section does <br />not infringe on a local government's prerogative to: <br />Page 6 <br />