In the event of failure of either the governing body of the Municipality, a rule making agency thereof or a contestee to answer or otherwise appear within the time allowed by these rules; provided, that section 1-8-4 of this chapter has been complied with, such agency or contestee so failing to answer or otherwise appear, shall not be allowed to answer or otherwise appear thereafter; and after written notice to the petitioner, the proceeding will be brought before the agency to which it was presented for consideration and appropriate action.
(1982 Code § 2.06.070)