California Code, Streets and Highways Code - SHC § 180.4

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, within 15 working days of receiving an application from the department or local agency for a permit for any project subject to this article, a permitting agency shall issue the permit with any conditions the permitting agency deems necessary or shall deny the permit.

(b) If the permitting agency fails to act upon the permit within 15 working days, the permit shall be deemed approved, unless the earthquake emergency and seismic retrofit permit review panel grants a time extension pursuant to Section 180.3.  If the permitting agency is unable to issue or deny a permit within 15 working days, it may file an appeal for a time extension with the panel.

(c) Any permitting agency affected by this article may adopt procedures for expedited permits.