Delay reduction rules shall not require shorter time periods than as follows: (

a) Service of the complaint within days after filing. Exceptions, for longer periods of time, (1) may be granted as authorized by local rule, and (2) shall be granted on a showing that service could not reasonably be achieved within the time required with the exercise of due diligence, consistent with the amount in controversy. (

b) Service of responsive pleadings within days after service of the complaint. The parties may stipulate to an additional days. Exceptions, for longer periods of time, may be granted as authorized by local rule. (

c) Time for service of notice or other paper under Sections and of the Code of Civil Procedure, and time to plead after service of summons under

Section 412.20 of the Code of Civil Procedure, shall not be shortened, except as provided in those sections. (

d) Within days of service of the responsive pleadings, the parties may, by stipulation filed with the court, agree to a single continuance not to exceed days. It is the intent of the Legislature that these stipulations not detract from the efforts of the courts to comply with standards of timely disposition. To this extent, the Judicial Council shall develop statistics that distinguish between cases involving, and not involving, these stipulations. (

e) A status conference, or similar event, other than a challenge to the jurisdiction of the court, shall not be required to be conducted sooner than days after service of the first responsive pleadings, or days after expiration of a stipulated continuance, if any, pursuant to subdivision (d). (

f) Title 4 (commencing with

Section 2016.010) of Part of the Code of Civil Procedure shall govern discovery, except in arbitration proceedings. (

g) A case shall not be referred to arbitration prior to days after the filing of the complaint, exclusive of the stipulated period provided for in subdivision (d). Any rule adopted pursuant to this

article shall not contravene Sections and of the Code of Civil Procedure. (

h) Unnamed (DOE) defendants shall not be dismissed or severed prior to the conclusion of the introduction of evidence at trial, except upon stipulation or motion of the parties.