(a) The commission, after considering the recommendation of the chief and any other testimony and written comments as may be presented at the meeting, or as may have been submitted in writing to the commission prior to the meeting, may deny the application, grant a license to an applicant who it determines to be qualified to hold the license, or refer the application to an evidentiary hearing.
(b) When the commission grants an application for a license or approval, the commission may limit or place restrictions on the license or approval as it may deem necessary in the public interest, consistent with the policies described in this chapter.
(c) If, during a meeting, the commission denies an application, denies approval, or approves with limits, restrictions, or conditions, the action shall be stayed for a period of 30 days after the meeting, during which the applicant may request an evidentiary hearing. If the applicant does not file a request for an evidentiary hearing within 30 days, the action of the commission taken at the meeting is final. If the applicant waives the right to hearing and assents to the action of the commission in writing, upon receipt of the waiver by the commission, the action shall no longer be stayed. If the applicant files a timely request for an evidentiary hearing, the action shall be vacated and the application shall be reviewed de novo at the evidentiary hearing.
(d) When an application is denied after an evidentiary hearing, the commission shall prepare and file a detailed statement of its reasons for the denial.
(e) All proceedings relating to an application at a meeting of the commission or at an evidentiary hearing shall be recorded stenographically or by audio or video recording.
(f) A decision of the commission after an evidentiary hearing, denying a license or approval, or imposing any condition or restriction on the grant of a license or approval may be reviewed by petition pursuant to Section 1085 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure does not apply to any judicial proceeding held to consider that petition, and the court may grant the petition only if the court finds that the action of the commission was arbitrary and capricious, or that the action exceeded the commission’s jurisdiction.
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 45, Sec. 4. (AB 120) Effective January 1, 2022.)