52-3-403. Existing planning and service areas grandfathered -- exception. The 11 planning and service areas existing on April 27, 1983, are grandfathered in for a period of not less than 4 years. However, the department may accept and consider requests from such existing planning and service areas that the requesting area be divided into two new areas and may grant one request and divide the area into two new areas. If the department grants a request and divides the requesting area into two new areas, this section's grandfather clause applies to the two new areas.