(1) Regional and local variations and the diversity that exist among different counties and cities should be reflected in the use and application of these procedural criteria.

(2) Recognition of variations and diversity is implicit in the act's framework, with an emphasis on a "bottom up" planning process and on public participation. Such recognition is also inherent in the listing of goals without assignment of priority. Accordingly, this chapter seeks to accommodate regional and local differences by focusing on an analytical process, instead of on specific outcomes.

(3) Local plans and development regulations are expected to vary in complexity and in level of detail depending on population size, growth rates, resources available for planning and scale of public facilities, and services provided.

(4) In general, smaller jurisdictions will not be expected to engage in extensive original research, but will be able to rely upon reasonable assumptions derived from available data of a statewide or regional nature or representative of jurisdictions of comparable size and growth rates.

(5) When commenting on plans and regulations proposed for adoption, state agencies, including the department, should be guided by a common sense appreciation of the size of the jurisdiction involved, the magnitude of the problems addressed, and the context of the submitted changes.

(6) The department has developed a variety of technical assistance materials for counties and cities that may be used to help guide local planning.