California Code, Public Resources Code - PRC § 29524

(a) The commission shall provide for a public hearing de novo on any appeal brought pursuant to this division and shall give to any affected person a written public notice of the nature of the proceeding and of the time and place of the public hearing.  Notice shall also be given to any person who requests, in writing, such notice.  A hearing on any appeal shall be set not earlier than 21 days nor later than 42 days after the date on which the appeal is filed with the commission.

(b) The commission shall act upon an appeal within 21 days after the conclusion of the hearing pursuant to subdivision (a) and may approve, modify, or deny the application for the proposed development;  and if no action is taken within the time limits specified in this subdivision and subdivision (a), the decision of the local government shall become final.

(c) Thirteen affirmative votes of members of the commission, or of the commission hearing an appeal, are required to grant a permit.  Neither of the federal representatives who are members of the commission may vote on whether or not a permit shall be granted.

(d) The applicant for a marsh development permit may waive any time limits prescribed in this section.