641—173.17 (17A) Continuances. Applications for continuances shall be made to the presiding officer.
	 173.17(1) A written application for a continuance shall:
	  a.   	 Be made at the earliest possible time and no less than seven days before the hearing except in case of unanticipated emergencies;
	  b.   	 State the specific reasons for the request; and
	  c.   	 Be signed by the requesting party or the party’s representative.
	 173.17(2) In determining whether to grant a continuance, the presiding officer may consider:
	  a.   	 Prior continuances;
	  b.   	 The interests of all parties;
	  c.   	 The likelihood of informal settlement;
	  d.   	 The existence of an emergency;
	  e.   	 Any objection;
	  f.   	 Any applicable time requirements;
	  g.   	 The existence of a conflict in the schedules of counsel, parties, or witnesses;
	  h.   	 The timeliness of the request; and
	  i.   	 Other relevant factors.
The presiding officer may require documentation of any grounds for continuance.