California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 12645

The officer to whom the application for a permit is made shall undertake an investigation and submit a report of his findings and his recommendation concerning the issuance of the permit, together with his reasons therefor, to the governing body of the city or county. The applicant for a permit to conduct a public display shall file a certificate evidencing the possession of a valid public display license with the officer making the investigation.