(1) Except for interim regulations, required development regulations must be enacted either by the deadline for adoption of the comprehensive plan or within six months thereafter, if an extension is obtained. The possibility of a time gap between the adoption of a comprehensive plan and the adoption of development regulations pertains to the time frame after the initial adoption of the comprehensive plan. Subsequent amendments to the plan should not face any delay before being implemented by regulations. After adoption of the initial plan and development regulations, such regulations should at all times be consistent with the comprehensive plan. Whenever amendments to comprehensive plans are adopted, consistent implementing regulations or amendments to existing regulations should be enacted and put into effect concurrently. See WAC 365-196-660.

(2) To obtain an extension of the deadline for the initial adoption of development regulations, a county or city must notify the department of its need by letter prior to the initial deadline. Six-month extensions will be obtained whenever such letters are timely received, but no extensions will result from requests received after the initial deadline.