Prior to filing a request for continuance of a scheduled hearing, the party seeking the continuance shall contact the other parties to the case and seek their consent. A party seeking a continuance shall file a request for continuance form setting forth the reasons for the continuance at least 30 days prior to the scheduled hearing. A request for continuance filed more than 30 days prior to a scheduled hearing, to which the parties have consented, shall routinely be granted. A request for continuance filed less than 30 days before the hearing may be granted subject to the discretion of the Commissioner. A request for continuance will be decided based on the papers filed without a hearing.