California Code, Government Code - GOV § 66206

(a) If the approving authority denies an application for a permit submitted in accordance with Section 66205 or has approved it with conditions rendering the project infeasible for residential use, the applicant may appeal that decision by filing a complaint in the superior court.

(b) An appeal pursuant to this section shall be filed within 20 days after the approving authority has filed its decision to deny or conditionally approve the application with the official designated for this purpose in the housing sustainability district ordinance of the city, county, or city and county.  The applicant shall provide notice of the appeal and a copy of the complaint to that official.  The applicant shall, within 14 days of filing the complaint, serve written notice and provide a copy of the complaint to all defendants by certified mail.  The court shall dismiss the complaint if the applicant does not, within 21 days of filing the complaint, file an affidavit with the clerk of the court certifying that the notices required by this subdivision have been provided.

(c) The complaint shall allege the specific reasons why the approving authority's decision does not satisfy the requirements of the housing sustainability district ordinance, the provisions of this chapter, or other applicable law.  The complaint shall name the approving authority as a defendant.

(d) The approving authority shall have the burden of proving that its decision satisfies the requirements of the housing sustainability district ordinance, the provisions of this chapter, or other applicable law based on substantial evidence in light of the whole record.