Article 2. Action On Application of California Water Code >> Division 2. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 5. >> Article 2.

The board may grant, or refuse to grant a permit and may reject any application, after hearing.

No hearing is necessary in order to issue a permit upon an unprotested application, or if undisputed facts support the issuance of the permit and there is no disputed issue of material fact, unless the board elects to hold a hearing. No hearing is necessary to reject an application after notice, if the application is defective, the applicant fails to provide information requested by the board, or undisputed facts support the denial of the application and there is no disputed issue of material fact, unless the board elects to hold a hearing.

Upon failure of any party in interest to appear at a hearing or show good cause within five days thereafter for his failure, final action may be taken without further hearing.

In the conduct of hearings technical rules of evidence need not be applied.