2009 California Water Code - Section 1350-1353 :: Article 2. Action On Application

1350.  The board may grant, or refuse to grant a permit and may
reject any application, after hearing.

1351.  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.

1352.  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.

1353.  In the conduct of hearings technical rules of evidence need
not be applied.