(a) In developing an appraisal of residential real property identified as unique in style or square footage, or both, located in a rural county for the purpose of a mortgage finance transaction, if the sales comparison approach cannot be developed for a credible opinion or indication of value due to a lack of available comparable sales within 30 miles, the appraiser may perform the appraisal without completing the sales comparison approach to value. In the appraisal report, the appraiser shall provide an explanation of the reasons for exclusion of the sales comparison approach and document efforts to obtain comparable sales or market data. A financial institution shall not decline to proceed with a mortgage finance transaction due to the exclusion of the sales comparison approach in accordance with this section unless the sales comparison approach is required in order for such mortgage finance transaction loan to be guaranteed or sold in the secondary market.

(b) As used in this section:

(1) “Financial institution” means a bank, national banking association, savings and loan association, savings bank, trust company, credit union, finance company or other lending institution; and

(2) “rural county” means any county in this state with a population of less than 10,000, as certified to the secretary of state pursuant to Kan. Stat. Ann. § 11-201, and amendments thereto, on July 1 of the preceding year.