California Code, Water Code - WAT § 1351

No hearing is necessary in order to issue a permit upon an unprotested application, or if undisputed facts support the issuance of the permit and there is no disputed issue of material fact, unless the board elects to hold a hearing. No hearing is necessary to reject an application after notice, if the application is defective, the applicant fails to provide information requested by the board, or undisputed facts support the denial of the application and there is no disputed issue of material fact, unless the board elects to hold a hearing.