Section 671.1 - Permits for Restricted Species(a) General. It is unlawful for any person to import, export, transport, maintain, sell, dispose of, or use for any purpose any animal restricted by Section 671 except as authorized in a permit issued by the department. (1) Limited Scope. A permit issued pursuant to this Section 671.1 does not supersede any federal, state, or local law regulating or prohibiting the animals or the activities authorized in the permit.(2) Change of Address or Name. The permittee shall notify the department's License and Revenue Branch, in writing of any change of address or name related to the permit within five days of the change.(3) Records. Any record, log, invoice, or other document required by this Section 671.1 shall be maintained at the facility by the permittee for at least three years from the date issued, and be made available to the department immediately upon demand. All required records shall be legible and in the English language.(4) Transportation Records Required of Broker/Dealer and Importers. The permittee shall prepare and sign an invoice in duplicate prior to any animals leaving or being imported into their facility. The invoice shall contain the name and address of the Broker/Dealer or Importers, a phone number where the Broker/Dealer or Importers and the consignee can be reached, the name and address of the consignee, the date of the shipment, and the number or poundage, sex (if available) and scientific name of each animal. The invoice shall accompany the animals being shipped. The consignee shall sign and date the invoice receipt of the shipment and retain a copy.(5) Permits for Business. Any person (as defined in Fish and Game Code Section 67) can qualify for and be issued a permit, if the applicant or the applicant's full time employee possesses the qualifications for an applicant specified in subsections 671.1(c)(1), (c)(3)(B) and (c)(3)(D). Where a full time employee provides the qualifications, the applicant shall continue to employ such qualified person as long as the animals are possessed in California. The applicant who owns the business shall submit annual proof of continued employment for a full time employee if the applicant continues not to meet the qualifications specified in subsection 671.1(c)(1).(6) Financial Responsibility. The department may require an applicant for a nonresident permit to provide proof he/she will immediately cover all expenses incurred by the department for personnel, equipment, and facilities used to locate, capture, house, care for, and transport animals that escape or that are released or abandoned. The written proof shall be in the form of a department approved financial guarantee payable to the department, local government agency, or entity contracting for the animals.(7) Health Certificates. The department may require as a condition on any permit that restricted animals be approved for interstate shipment pursuant to applicable federal or state agency standards for diseases such as but not limited to tuberculosis, brucellosis, and pseudo rabies. Permit conditions may be more restrictive than federal standards.(8) Transgenic Aquatic Animals. The department may issue permits for importation, possession, transportation or rearing of, or research on, transgenic aquatic animals pursuant to the following terms and conditions: (A) All transgenic aquatic animals shall be held, raised, and transported in a closed-water system or in a system which treats effluent discharge from the facility with a disinfection system adequate to ensure against the inadvertent release of live animals. A closed-water system means that there is no discharge to waters of the state. For purposes of this section, municipal treated sewage systems are not considered waters of the state. The commission may grant an exception to this subsection if it is determined that doing so shall not pose a significant risk to the waters or wildlife of the state.(B) Access to facilities containing transgenic aquatic animals shall be restricted through means determined to be adequate by the department to assure against unauthorized removal of animals.(C) Movement of live transgenic aquatic animals from facilities is prohibited unless specifically permitted by the department.(D) Release of transgenic aquatic animals or their progeny into waters of the state is prohibited.(E) If transgenic aquatic animals are held with non-transgenic animals of the same species, all such animals that commingle with transgenic animals shall be treated as transgenic for the purposes of regulation and may not be introduced into waters of the state. Nontransgenic animals that can be individually identified as nontransgenic may be exempt from this provision with prior department approval.(F) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any unauthorized release of transgenic aquatic animals or their progeny into the waters of the state may be subject to the penalties provided for under Fish and Game Code Sections 2125, 12007, and/or 12023.(G) Any university, college, governmental research agency or other bona fide scientific institution, as determined by the department, may apply for an expedited permit review under subsection 671.1(b)(9) by demonstrating that they meet or exceed the requirements stipulated in subsections (A) through (F) as part of a federal program or permit, for example, National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines administered by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).(H) The department shall provide written notice of the filing of all permit applications to any interested party who submits a written request for such notice. The department shall consider all written comments regarding a permit application that are received from any interested party prior to approval of that application. All approved applications shall be reviewed by the commission during a regularly scheduled public meeting; and the commission, following public comment, may deny the issuance of a permit if it finds that an applicant is or will be unable to meet all regulatory requirements for importation, transportation, possession, and confinement of transgenic aquatic animals.(9) Conferring. In addition to the departments of Food and Agriculture and Public Health, the department may confer with other state and federal agencies or any other person or entity in order to verify information on the application or to determine if the importation, transportation, or possession of any animal requested will be in the best interest of the state and animal.(b) Permits and Fees. The following permits have fees specified in Section 703 that shall be adjusted annually. The department may issue permits and amend existing permits with the conditions it determines are necessary to protect native wildlife, agriculture interests, animal welfare, and/or human health and safety for: (1) Animal Care. Issued to any person who is a resident and who has the demonstrated experience and ability to care for and house an animal, and who legally possessed the animal in California prior to January 1992. The permittee may only possess and provide care for the animal(s) specified on the department approved permit. No other activity is authorized except that which is medically necessary for the care of the animal. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3).(2) Aquaculture. Issued to any person who is a registered aquaculturist, pursuant to Section 235. The permittee may import, transport, possess and sell only those species listed on the restricted species permit for aquaculture purposes. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3) and Section 671.7.(3) AZA. Issued to any person accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and who is in the business of exhibiting and breeding animals. The permittee may import, transport, breed, exhibit and possess for bona fide scientific or public health research only those species specified on the department approved permit. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3).(4) Breeding. Issued to any person who is a resident who is in the business of breeding animals and possesses the qualifications listed in subsection 671.1(c)(1), and provides a breeding plan as specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3)(E). The permittee may import, transport, possess, and sell only those species specified on the department approved permit. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3).(5) Broker/Dealer. Issued to any person who is a resident or nonresident and acts as a broker or dealer in a transaction involving the buying and/or selling of restricted species, or who is in the business of transporting restricted species within the state between permittees, but who does not have any other permit issued pursuant to this section for the animal being purchased or sold. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3). (A) Special Restrictions. 1. Maximum Caging Period. Animals may be kept in transport caging for a period not to exceed 48 hours. One additional 48 hour extension may be approved by an enforcing officer in writing and attached to the transportation invoice and only after a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited veterinarian certifies in writing that the extension will not be detrimental to the health or welfare of the animals.2. Nonresident Restriction. Nonresident permittees shall only transport animals between permittees authorized by this section or between AZA accredited institutions and permittees or ship them out of state in compliance with Federal guidelines.(6) Exhibiting. Issued to any person who is a resident or nonresident who is in the business of exhibiting animals at least half-time, for commercial and/or educational purposes, and who possesses the qualifications listed in subsection 671.1(c)(1). The permittee may import, transport, and possess only those species specified on the department approved permit. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3).(7) Native Species Exhibiting. Issued to any person who is a resident, is in the business of exhibiting animals, and possesses the qualifications listed in subsection 671.1(c)(1) to transport and possess only those species specified on the department approved permit. For the purposes of this permit, native species are defined as the restricted birds and mammals that are found injured and/or orphaned in the wild in California and are not suitable for release into the wild, but are suitable for educational purposes. Native species shall only be acquired from the department or, upon approval by the department, from a California Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility that is permitted with the department. The department shall receive written documentation for each animal from a permitted California Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility's licensed veterinarian stating why the animal to be acquired is unsuitable for wildlife rehabilitation and release, but suitable for education purposes (USDA certification of veterinarian is not required to determine non-releasable status). The permit fee may be waived only if the AZA or exhibiting fee is paid and a permit specified in subsection 671.1(b)(3) or 671.1(b)(6) is issued. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3).(8) Nuisance Bird Abatement. Issued to any person who is a resident or nonresident, is in the business of using raptors to abate nuisance birds, and possesses the qualifications listed in subsection 671.1(c)(1) to import, transport, and possess only those species specified on the department approved permit and under the conditions that follow. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3). (A) The permit only authorizes the harassing of nuisance birds. Harassment is defined in Section 251.1.(B) The permit does not authorize the use for abatement purposes or intentional take of any bird protected by federal or state law, which includes but is not limited to the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Fish and Game Code Section 3500.(C) All birds imported into California shall be accompanied by a current interstate health certificate issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian stating that the veterinarian has examined the bird(s) and has found that they are not exhibiting any signs or symptoms of any infectious or contagious disease.(D) The permittee shall notify the department regional manager where abatement activities are to occur at least five days prior to the activity taking place. The notification shall include the following information:2. name(s) and address where the activity will be conducted;3. date(s) the abatement will take place;4. the temporary housing location in California for the birds listed on the permit.5. The information shall also be provided to the department's License and Revenue Branch and attached to the permit.(E) A department regional manager, or regional manager designee, may restrict activities authorized by this permit at any time to address the biological issues occurring within his/her region.(F) Every effort shall be made to keep birds used for abatement from escaping into the wild and every effort shall be made to retrieve any that escape into the wild. The permittee must notify the department regional manager, or regional manager designee, and the department's License and Revenue Branch within 48 hours if a bird escapes and is not retrieved.(G) Birds used for abatement shall be housed in facilities that meet or exceed the permanent caging standards described in Section 671.3.(9) Research. Issued to any university, college, governmental research agency, or other bona fide scientific institution, as determined by the department, who engages in scientific or public health research and meets the requirement as specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3)(L). The permittee may import, transport, breed, and possess only those species specified on the department approved permit. Only persons asking for department determination as a bona fide scientific institution are required to meet the requirements specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3)(K). Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3).(10) Shelter. Issued to any person who is a resident, who possesses the qualifications listed in subsection 671.1(c)(1), and who has a statement in writing signed by the department's regional manager with jurisdiction over the proposed facility verifying the need for a shelter or similar facility in the area, to transport and possess restricted species for humane purposes only. The permit fee may be waived upon recommendation of the regional manager when he/she determines it is in the best interest of the public, the animal, or the department to do so. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3). (A) Special Authorizations. 1. A permittee may exhibit animals at its facility for fund-raising purposes.2. The department may authorize a permittee to import restricted species upon receipt of written verification that appropriate facilities outside of California were contacted and no housing was available, and that these specific animals would be euthanized if they cannot be imported into California.(11) Single Event Breeding for Exhibitor. Issued to any person who is a resident and permitted pursuant to subsection 671.1(b)(6), possesses the qualifications listed in subsection 671.1(c)(1), and provides a breeding plan as specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3)(E) to conduct a one time, single breeding of an animal specified on the department approved permit. The permit may be renewed annually, but only upon submitting written verification by a veterinarian accredited by the USDA that the breeding previously authorized was not successful. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3).(12) Fish. Issued to any person who is a resident and is in the retail, wholesale or importation business of selling fish or aquaculture products. The permittee may import, transport, possess and offer for sale only those species listed on the restricted species permit. Additional requirements are specified in subsection 671.1(c)(3) and Section 671.7.(c) Qualifications, Application Fees, and Permit Information.(1) Qualifications. Applicants or the applicant's full-time employee shall be at least 18 years of age and possess the equivalent of at least two years, full-time, paid or volunteer, hands-on experience caring for restricted species at facilities engaged in a similar or directly related activity to the permit requested. Applicants or the applicant's full-time employee shall have at least one year full-time hands-on professional experience working with restricted species in the same family or closely related taxonomic family as each species being requested. Experience will be considered only for the periods the applicant or the applicant's full-time employee was directly involved in and responsible for the animals while engaged in the activity requested on the permit and only when acquired within five years of the date of the initial permit application. Any person who applies for an Animal Care, Aquaculture, AZA, Broker/Dealer, Fish or Research permit is exempt from this experience requirement. Applicants shall be residents of California, except that AZA, Exhibiting, Broker/Dealer and Nuisance Bird Abatement permits may be issued to nonresidents.(2) Fees. The following application and inspection fees specified in Section 703 are required and shall be adjusted annually.(A) Application. The applicant shall pay a nonrefundable application fee when submitting an application for a new permit, amending an existing permit, or renewing a permit.(B) Inspection. The applicant shall pay an inspection fee for the type of inspection as required in Section 671.8. Applicants for Aquaculture permits may have the inspection fee waived if a fish pathologist as defined in subsection 245(b)(5) has inspected the applicant's facilities within the last six months, determines that the facility's housing meets the minimum applicable requirements in Section 671.7 and no fish health issues have been identified in the past year. If not waived, the applicant for an Aquaculture permit shall pay an aquaculture inspection fee.(3) Application. The applicant for a new permit, amendment to an existing permit, or permit renewal shall submit the completed application or document, and fee, as specified in Section 703, to the address listed on the application. Persons who apply for an Aquaculture or Fish permit are exempt from the application requirements (B) through (M) and shall instead follow the requirements in Section 671.7.
The following information and documents shall accompany an application for each permit, amendment, renewal, or upon change or expiration unless specified as exempt or as specifically required.
(A) An inventory of each animal requested including the common and scientific name, sex, and age of each animal. Any person who applies for an Aquaculture or Fish permit shall also provide the actual number of animals specified by either the weight, volume or count.(B) A resume which provides the dates and description of an applicant or their full-time employee's experience. The resume is required only when applying for the initial permit, an amendment, or when applying to add new species to the inventory upon renewing a permit. Any person who applies for an Animal Care, AZA, Broker/Dealer or Research permit is exempt from this requirement.(C) A copy of current license or registration document required by the USDA (for mammals only) and a copy of the most recent USDA facility inspection form completed for the facility shall be on file with the department at all times. The department may waive compliance for initial applications by California residents. However, a copy of the issued USDA license or registration document shall be provided to the department within 10 business days of receipt. Any person who applies for an Animal Care, Nuisance Bird Abatement or Shelter (non-exhibiting) permit is exempt from this requirement.(D) A letter of recommendation, written in the previous five years, on letterhead stationary with an original signature signed in ink by the owner or operator of a facility where the applicant or their employee gained his/her experience. The letter shall provide the printed name of the owner or operator and detailed information regarding the quality and extent of the applicant's or their employee's, knowledge and experience related to the permit requested. Any person who applies for an Animal Care, AZA, Broker/Dealer or Research permit is exempt from this requirement.(E) Breeding Plan. Only persons who apply for a Breeding or Single Event Breeding for an Exhibitor permit are required to comply with these requirements. A breeding plan shall include the items listed below and allow the department to determine that the breeding of the species will not result in risk to animal welfare, wildlife populations, livestock and poultry health, public health and safety; and there is an authentic and legitimate scientific, conservation, exhibition, or educational use certified by a recognized scientific, conservation or educational institution, or licensed professional in breeding or exhibition of restricted species. Breeding of restricted species is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the department. The breeding plan is required with the original application annually and when applying to add a new species to the breeding plan. The breeding plan shall include all of the following in order to be considered complete: 1. An official signed document on letterhead from a bona fide scientific, conservation or educational institution, or licensed professional in the breeding or exhibition of restricted species, confirming that there is a legitimate scientific, conservation, exhibition, or educational need for the breeding in the coming year. The person confirming the need for the breeding shall demonstrate that they have at least five years experience working with the species identified in the breeding plan. The statement shall contain the printed name and original signature and be signed in ink by an official representative of the organization providing the statement.2. A plan of operation that includes the anticipated number of progeny produced in the coming year, caging availability, and veterinarian care.3. A description of how the progeny will be uniquely identified if required under subsection 671.1(c)(3)(J).4. The department may deny the renewal of a breeding permit if it determines that the use of a permitted animal was inconsistent with the breeding plan. The department may require a permittee seeking to renew a breeding permit to provide documents, including but not limited to client lists with contact information or contracts with clients, demonstrating that the use of a permitted animal was consistent with the breeding plan.(F) Nonresident Exhibitors. Applicants shall submit a copy of a current and valid contract or other written confirmation that specifies each place and length of time where the exhibition will take place in California. If no contract is in effect at the time of application, copies of past contracts and/or written descriptions of anticipated performances being negotiated shall be substituted. Applicants shall submit a complete exhibiting itinerary using the Restricted Species Nonresident Exhibiting Permit Itinerary form specified in Section 703 with their initial or renewal application or upon change to its current itinerary. The department shall receive itinerary changes at least 72 hours prior to entry into California. The itinerary shall provide the location(s) and date(s) where the nonresident applicant or permittee intends to perform within this state. Only persons who apply for a Nonresident Exhibiting permit are required to comply with this requirement.(G) A statement of purpose describing in detail the planned use for each animal. Applicants shall include relevant materials including, as appropriate, any lists of prospective clients with their contact information or contracts with clients or websites, scripts, brochures or flyers promoting or describing the planned use of the animals. If the animals will be used in an educational program, the applicant shall provide an explanation why live restricted species are necessary and samples of the educational material and message that will be distributed. The department may deny the issuance of a permit if it determines that the statement of purpose for the animal(s) does not sufficiently describe the planned use for each animal or is not supported by the permit application materials. The department may deny the renewal of a permit if it determines that the use of a permitted animal was inconsistent with the statement of purpose. The department may require a permittee seeking to renew a permit to provide documents, including but not limited to client lists with contact information or contracts with clients, demonstrating that the use of a permitted animal was consistent with the statement of purpose. Any person who applies for an Animal Care, AZA, Breeding, Research or Single Event Breeding For Exhibitor permit is exempt from this requirement.(H) A copy of all current permits required by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) shall be on file with the department at all times. The department may waive compliance for initial applications by California residents. A copy of the issued USFWS license or registration document shall be provided to the department within 10 business days of receipt. Any person who is required to possess a USFWS permit for the restricted species applied for or listed on a department-approved permit is required to comply with these requirements.(I) Emergency Action Plan. 1. Every restricted species permittee shall have a written Emergency Action Plan readily available and posted in a conspicuous place in the event of an escape, an attack or an emergency evacuation, and shall submit a copy to the department upon initial application, renewal of a permit and addition of species. The Emergency Action Plan shall be titled, with a revision date, updated annually and include, but is not limited to the following: a. List of the re-capture equipment available, including but not limited to darting equipment, nets, traps, and chemical immobilization drugs;b. Description of humane lethal dispatch methods for various animals and a list of qualified personnel who are trained to carry out the methods;c. List of medical supplies/first aid kits and where they are located;d. Description of mobile transport cages and equipment on hand;e. List of emergency telephone numbers that includes the local department regional office, 911, and animal control agencies; andf. Written plan of action for emergencies.2. Permittees are responsible for the capture, and for the costs incurred by the department related to capture or elimination of the threat, of an escaped animal or the use of humane lethal force required to capture an animal that escapes. If an escaped animal becomes a public safety threat, state, federal, or local law enforcement personnel have the authority to use appropriate lethal force required to end the threat.3. Any incident involving an animal held under a restricted species permit that results in serious injury or death to a person shall be reported immediately to the department's regional office having jurisdiction over the area in which the serious injury and death has occurred. If the department determines that serious injury or death has occurred as a result of contact with an animal held under the authority of a restricted species permit, the authorizations and conditions of the permit may be reviewed and subject to change by the department. Additional conditions to the permit may be added at any time to provide for human health and safety.4. Permittees shall immediately report by telephone the intentional or unintentional escape or release of a wild animal to the department regional office and the nearest law enforcement agency of the city or county in which the wild animal was released or escaped.(J) Unique Identification. 1. Every elephant, non-human primate, bear, wolf, gila monster, and animal in the Family Felidae that is possessed under a restricted species permit shall be identifiable by an approved unique identifying method and reported to the department for inclusion in a registry. Approved methods include microchips, tattoos or any other alternative method that is approved by the department. The department may approve an alternative method if the permittee provides written verification from a veterinarian accredited by the USDA explaining why it would be detrimental to the health of the animal to microchip or tattoo the animal and what alternative method of unique identification would be suitable.2. Every permittee who possesses an animal that requires unique identifiers shall conform to the provisions of this section and provide documentation of an animal's unique identifier or proposed alternative method to the department on or before December 31, 2011. Each permittee must provide an animal's unique identification to the department within 10 business days of receipt or transfer of an animal, the birth or death of an animal, or change in unique identification for an animal.3. The department shall continue to maintain a record of the unique identification for each animal until it is transferred out of state or until the death of the animal.(K) Bona fide scientific research institutions, as identified in subsection 671.1(b)(9), shall submit the following with the initial application and for each additional new species (only required from persons who are not a university, college or governmental research agency and are asking for department determination as a bona fide scientific research institution):1. At least one letter of recommendation from a university, college, governmental research agency or other bona fide scientific research institution, as recognized by the department, with expertise with the species and in the field of the proposed project. The letter shall contain specific reasons for the support and a statement verifying that the anticipated results are reasonably achievable using the species and techniques described.2. A description of the proposed project stating the objectives, and if experimental or manipulative, a study plan based on the "Scientific Method".3. The estimated completion date of the project.4. The anticipated benefits of this research.(L) Applicants for a research permit shall include proof that the applicant is part of a federal program or have a permit meeting or exceeding Federal Requirements such as those under the NIH guidelines administered by an IACUC. Only persons who apply for a Research permit are required to comply with these requirements.(M) Each permittee shall keep accurate written records at the facility of all acquisitions, births, transfers and deaths of restricted species that are covered by their permit. Permittees shall retain all such records for a minimum of three years from the date of the acquisition, birth, transfer or death and make such records available to the department for inspection at all times.(4) Term of Permit. Permits issued under the provisions of this Section 671.1 shall be valid for a term of one year from the date of issuance.(5) Denial. (A) The department may deny the issuance of a permit or amendment of an existing permit if: 1. the applicant or permittee has failed to comply with terms and conditions of a permit or any provision of the Fish and Game Code or regulations adopted pursuant thereto; or2. the applicant or permittee has failed to comply with any provision of any statute, regulation, rule or ordinance existing in any other state or in any city, county, or other local governing entity in any other state, that is related to the care and permitting of restricted species listed in Section 671, so long as the failure to comply would constitute a violation of the Fish and Game Code or regulations adopted pursuant thereto if it had occurred in this state; or3. the applicant or permittee has failed to comply with any provision of any federal statute, regulation, or rule that is related to the care and permitting of restricted species listed in Section 671, so long as the failure to comply would constitute a violation of the Fish and Game Code or regulations adopted pursuant thereto if it had occurred in this state; or4. the department determines that the application or other documents submitted do not support the statement of purpose/use for the animal(s).(B) The department shall deny the issuance of a permit or amendment of an existing permit if the applicant or permittee fails to demonstrate compliance with the conditions of subsections 671.1 (b) and (c). Before denying an application for this reason, however, the department shall notify the applicant that it has not received sufficient materials or information pursuant to subsections 671.1 (b) and (c). The applicant may amend or supplement an application with additional information or materials, but these supplemental materials shall be postmarked no later than 30 days after the date of the proof of service accompanying the department's notification. If the 30 day deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the submission of additional information or materials will be accepted until the close of business on the first state business day following the deadline to submit additional information or materials. New applications may be submitted at any time.(C) All notifications, denials, or other correspondence sent from the department to an applicant or permittee under subsections 671.1(c)(5), (c)(6) and (c)(7) shall include a proof of service that consists of a declaration of mailing, under penalty of perjury, indicating the date of mailing the department's notification, denial, or other correspondence.(6) Revocation. Any permit issued pursuant to these regulations may be suspended or revoked at any time by the department for failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit or for failure to comply with any provision of the Fish and Game Code or regulations adopted pursuant thereto. Unless the permittee has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of violating one of these provisions, the suspension or revocation shall not take effect until the time to request an appeal pursuant to subsection 671.1(c)(7) has expired. A timely request for an appeal will stay the department's suspension or revocation if the permittee was not convicted of violating the Fish and Game Code or regulations adopted pursuant thereto.(7) Appeal. Any applicant or permittee who is denied a permit, an amendment to an existing permit or has a permit suspended or revoked by the department pursuant to these regulations may appeal that denial, suspension, or revocation by filing a written request for an appeal with the commission. The request for an appeal shall either be postmarked, if sent by the Unites States mail or overnight carrier, or received by the commission, if sent by electronic mail, or facsimile no later than 30 days after the date of the proof of service accompanying the department's notice of denial, suspension, or revocation. The commission shall not accept a request for an appeal that is submitted after the 30 day deadline to request an appeal. If the 30 day deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the request for appeal will be accepted until the close of business on the first state business day following the deadline to submit a request for appeal. (A) The commission's president may appoint a commissioner, a current or former executive director of the commission, a current employee of the commission, or a member of the state bar of California in the active practice of law to serve as a hearing officer.(B) No later than 30 days after filing an appeal request, a person requesting an appeal (appellant) shall submit a written statement to the commission that specifically identifies the legal and factual grounds for challenging the department's action. The appellant's written statement shall be signed by the appellant under penalty of perjury. Upon receipt, the commission shall forward to the department a copy of all appeal-related materials it receives from the appellant, including a copy of the request for an appeal, and the appellant's written statement. The appellant may receive an additional 30 days to submit a written statement if no later than 30 days after filing a request for an appeal the appellant either: (i.) receives a written stipulation from the department agreeing to an additional 30 days to submit a written statement and submits a copy of the stipulation to the commission, or (ii.) submits a written request to the hearing officer for a determination that good cause exists to grant an additional 30 days to submit a written statement. The hearing officer shall provide the department with a copy of the request for additional time and an opportunity to submit a written objection to the request.(C) No later than 30 days after receipt of the appellant's written statement, the department may submit a response to the commission, with a copy sent to the appellant, along with any supporting documentary evidence and/or declarations under penalty of perjury.(D) No later than 15 days after receipt of the department's response, the appellant may submit a reply to the commission signed by the appellant under penalty of perjury, with a copy sent to the department that addresses arguments and evidence raised in the department's response. The appellant's reply shall not contain any new evidence or new factual or legal grounds for challenging the department's action.(E) Following the appellant's and the department's submittals on the appeal, the hearing officer may request additional information, including testimony under oath, from either party, and may permit either party to present additional information or rebuttal if the hearing officer determines such to be helpful in reaching a correct decision.(F) In any appeal of the department's denial of an application for a permit or to amend an existing permit, if the hearing officer determines the appeal is based upon new evidence or factual information that was not included in the application or otherwise submitted to the department prior to the department's denial, the hearing officer shall direct the applicant or permittee to file a new application or seek reconsideration by the department, and the request for appeal shall be closed.(G) No later than 60 days after receipt of all submittals and any additional information or rebuttal permitted by the hearing officer under subsection 671.1(c)(7)(D), the hearing officer shall prepare and submit a proposed decision to the executive director of the commission. The decision shall contain proposed findings and reasons for the commission's action. Upon receipt, the executive director of the commission shall provide both parties a copy of the hearing officer's proposed decision. A cover letter accompanying the proposed decision shall indicate the date when the commission will consider the proposed decision and a deadline for the parties to comment on the proposed decision. Copies of the proposed decision shall include a proof of service indicating the date the proposed decision is mailed to the parties. Each party may submit written comments on the proposed decision to the commission, however, these comments shall not exceed two pages, and they shall not refer to or introduce any new factual information or evidence that was not previously submitted to the commission.(H) At a meeting of the commission no later than 60 days after receipt of the hearing officer's proposed decision, the commission shall consider adoption of the proposed decision, unless good cause exists to delay consideration of the proposed decision. The commission may by order adopt, revise or reject the proposed decision. The commission shall serve both parties a copy of the commission's order and decision. The order is final.(I) A party may request judicial review by filing a petition for writ of mandate in accordance with Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure within 30 days from the date of service (postmark) of the order. The record of the proceedings as designated by the petitioner shall be prepared by the commission and delivered to petitioner's counsel or, if appearing pro se, the petitioner within 30 days after petitioner's request and upon payment of the fee specified in Section 69950 of the Government Code.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14, § 671.1
1. Amendment filed 5-6-75 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 75, No. 18). For prior history, see Register 75, No. 4.
2. Certificate of Compliance filed 7-3-75 (Register 75, No. 27).
3. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 5-11-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 19).
4. Amendment of NOTE filed 7-16-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 29).
5. Order of Repeal of subsection (b) filed 6-3-85 by OAL pursuant to Government Code section 11349.7; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 26).
6. Editorial correction of NOTE filed 9-20-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 38).
7. Repealer and new section filed 2-26-92; operative 2-26-92 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 92, No. 13).
8. Amendment of subsection (b)(5)(A)2b and new subsections (b)(9) and (c)(6)(A)9 filed 12-7-94; operative 12-7-94 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 94, No. 49).
9. Repealer and new section filed 8-27-98; operative 9-26-98 (Register 98, No. 35).
10. New subsections (a)(9)-(a)(9)(G) and amendment of NOTE filed 4-14-2003; operative 5-14-2003 (Register 2003, No. 16).
11. Amendment of subsection (a)(9)(G) and new subsections (a)(9)(H)-(I) filed 8-28-2003; operative 9-27-2003 (Register 2003, No. 35).
12. Amendment of section and NOTE filed 3-9-2011; operative 4-8-2011 (Register 2011, No. 10).
13. Amendment filed 8-31-2012; operative 7-1-2013 (Register 2012, No. 35). Note: Authority cited: Sections 713, 1002, 2118, 2120, 2122, 2150, 2150.2, 2157 and 2193, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 2116, 2116.5, 2117, 2118, 2120, 2150, 2150.2, 2151, 2157, 2190, 2193 and 2271, Fish and Game Code; Section 1094.5, Code of Civil Procedure; and Section 69950, Government Code.
1. Amendment filed 5-6-75 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 75, No. 18). For prior history, see Register 75, No. 4.
2. Certificate of Compliance filed 7-3-75 (Register 75, No. 27).
3. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 5-11-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 19).
4. Amendment of NOTE filed 7-16-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 29).
5. Order of Repeal of subsection (b) filed 6-3-85 by OAL pursuant to Government Code section 11349.7; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 26).
6. Editorial correction of NOTE filed 9-20-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 38).
7. Repealer and new section filed 2-26-92; operative 2-26-92 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 92, No. 13).
8. Amendment of subsection (b)(5)(A)2b and new subsections (b)(9) and (c)(6)(A)9 filed 12-7-94; operative 12-7-94 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 94, No. 49).
9. Repealer and new section filed 8-27-98; operative 9-26-98 (Register 98, No. 35).
10. New subsections (a)(9)-(a)(9)(G) and amendment of Note filed 4-14-2003; operative 5-14-2003 (Register 2003, No. 16).
11. Amendment of subsection (a)(9)(G) and new subsections (a)(9)(H)-(I) filed 8-28-2003; operative 9-27-2003 (Register 2003, No. 35).
12. Amendment of section and Note filed 3-9-2011; operative 4-8-2011 (Register 2011, No. 10).
13. Amendment filed 8-31-2012; operative 7-1-2013 (Register 2012, No. 35).