(1) The department hereby adopts the model rules of procedure, chapter 10-08 WAC, adopted by the chief administrative law judge pursuant to RCW 34.05.250, as now or hereafter amended, for use in adjudicative proceedings of agency action under this chapter.

(2) "Service" and "filing" of documents in adjudicative proceedings are defined as in RCW 34.05.010 and WAC 10-08-110.

(3) In the case of a conflict between the model rules of procedure and this chapter, the rules in this chapter shall take precedence.

(4) All factual determinations shall be based on the kind of evidence upon which reasonably prudent persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of their affairs. The burden in all proceedings is a preponderance of the evidence.

(a) In all proceedings contesting the denial of an application or reapplication for main street community status, the burden shall be on the applicant to establish that the application meets all applicable requirements and standards.

(b) In all proceedings contesting the withdrawal of main street community status, the burden is on the department to prove the alleged factual basis set forth in the notice.