California Code, Government Code - GOV § 66451.16

At the hearing, the property owner shall be given the opportunity to present any evidence that the affected property does not meet the standards for merger specified in the merger ordinance.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the local agency shall make a determination that the affected parcels are to be merged or are not to be merged and shall so notify the owner of its determination.  If the merger ordinance so provides, a determination of nonmerger may be made whether or not the affected property meets the standards for merger specified in Section 66451.11.  A determination of merger shall be recorded within 30 days after conclusion of the hearing, as provided for in Section 66451.12.