California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 1568.062

(a) Upon the filing of the application for issuance of a license and substantial compliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations of the department adopted pursuant to this chapter, the director shall issue to the applicant the license to operate a residential care facility. If the director finds that the applicant is not in compliance with this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, the director shall deny the applicant a license.

(b) The director may issue provisional licenses to operate residential care facilities for any facility which the director determines is in substantial compliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, provided that no life safety risks are involved, as determined by the director. In determining whether any life safety risks are involved, the director shall require completion of all applicable fire clearances and criminal record clearances as otherwise required by the department's rules and regulations. A provisional license issued pursuant to this subdivision shall expire six months from the date of issuance, or at an earlier time as the director may determine, and may not be renewed. However, the director may extend the term of a provisional license for an additional six months at the time of application, if it is determined that more than six months will be required to achieve full compliance with licensing standards due to circumstances beyond the control of the applicant, and if all other requirements for a license have been met.