(1) Any person may petition the board for the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule. Said petition shall be filed with the board at its office. The form for a petition for rule making, the criteria to be addressed, and the procedure for submission shall be as specified in RCW 34.05.330(1).

(2) Upon receipt of a petition for the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule, the board may, in its discretion, solicit comments, invite discussion, and hold meetings concerning the matter prior to disposition of the petition.

(3) Within sixty days after submission of a petition for rule making, the board shall either:

(a) Deny the petition in writing, stating:

(i) Its reasons for the denial, specifically addressing the concerns raised by the petitioner and, where appropriate;

(ii) The alternative means by which it will address the concerns raised by the petitioner; or

(b) Initiate rule-making procedures in accordance with RCW 34.05.230.