It shall be the duty of the presiding officer to conduct conferences or hearings in an impartial and orderly manner. The presiding officer shall have the authority, subject to the other provisions of the act or these rules to:

(1) Inspect the petition for review to determine whether, on its face, compliance with the jurisdictional and standing requirements of the act is shown, and if compliance is not shown, to recommend an action or to refer the issue to the board for resolution;

(2) Require that parties not represented by counsel designate a spokesperson(s);

(3) Conduct the prehearing conference, seek clarification or simplification of issues, establish the case schedule, and regulate the course of the case;

(4) Rule on all procedural matters, objections and routine motions; obtain agreement of the parties concerning service of papers electronically or by mail in light of technical capabilities or other circumstances;

(5) Rule on all evidentiary matters including supplementation of the record;

(6) Decide motions for intervention, amicus, or compliance participant status;

(7) Consolidate cases for hearing pursuant to RCW 36.70A.290(5) or coordinate cases pursuant to WAC 242-03-030(5) and 242-03-030(6) when such consolidation or coordination will expedite disposition and avoid duplication of evidence and argument;

(8) Review cases for settlement or mediation opportunities and assist the parties in arranging such sessions;

(9) Administer oaths and affirmations if witnesses are permitted to testify, authorize discovery, or issue subpoenas in exceptional circumstances as provided in RCW 34.05.446;

(10) Encourage the parties to stipulate to the admissibility of documents in advance of a hearing and rule on issues concerning the content of the record;

(11) Limit the length of a brief or impose format restrictions;

(12) Rule on requests for settlement extensions;

(13) Determine whether oral argument will be allowed on a motion and, if so, schedule the hearing; determine whether a conference or hearing shall be held by teleconference or in person;

(14) Require a party to provide a complete copy of the comprehensive plan, county-wide planning policy, or other core document germane to determination of the case;

(15) Waive any requirement of these rules unless a party shows that it would be prejudiced by such a waiver; and

(16) Take any other action necessary and authorized by these rules, the act, or the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.