California Code, Government Code - GOV § 27722

(a) If the hearing officer is authorized to decide a matter upon which a hearing has been held pursuant to Section 27721, the officer shall render a written decision, including any findings or conclusions required for that decision, and submit the decision and the record to the clerk of the local body on whose behalf the hearing was held.

(b) If the hearing officer is not authorized to decide a matter upon which a hearing has been held pursuant to Section 27221, the officer shall prepare a recommended decision, including any findings or conclusions required for that decision, and shall submit that recommendation and the record to the clerk of the local body on whose behalf the hearing was held.  The local body may adopt the recommended findings, conclusions, and decision, or may reject the recommendation and enter its own findings, conclusions, and decision after a review of the record.