California Code, Public Resources Code - PRC § 43200.5

(a) An enforcement agency that has been designated by the local governing body and certified by the department pursuant to this chapter has the authority provided, and the duties required, by this part, Part 5 (commencing with Section 45000), and Part 6 (commencing with Section 45030).

(b) When exercising the authority and fulfilling the duties specified in subdivision (a), an enforcement agency is deemed to be carrying out a state function that is governed by this division.  In carrying out this state function, an enforcement agency is deemed to be independent from the local governing body, and the enforcement agency's actions in carrying out this state function is not subject to the authority of the local governing body.

(c) If an enforcement agency is authorized or required to take an action by a state law or local ordinance and that action is not otherwise authorized or required by this part, Part 5 (commencing with Section 45000), or Part 6 (commencing with Section 45030), the enforcement agency, with regard to that action, is governed only by that local ordinance or state law, respectively, in exercising that authority or carrying out that requirement and is not governed by this division.