California Code of Regulations
Title 14 - Natural Resources
Division 5.5 - California Coastal Commission
Chapter 7 - Coastal Development-Permits Issued by Local Governments and Other Public Agencies
Subchapter 1.5 - Permits Issued and Reviewed by Local Governments and the Commission Pursuant to Certified Land Use Plans
Article 3 - Appeals to State Commission Prior to Certification of a Local Coastal Program
Section 13337 - Substantial Issue Determination

(a) At the next-practicable meeting following the filing of an appeal with the commission or as soon thereafter as practical, the executive director shall make a recommendation to the commission as to whether the local government action raises a substantial issue within the meaning of Public Resources Code Section 30600.5(d).

(b) Unless the commission finds that the appeal raises no substantial issue as to conformity with the certified land use plan, it shall consider the application de novo in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sections 13057-13096; except that the commission findings and final staff recommendation shall include a statement of facts and legal conclusions as to whether the proposed development conforms to the local government's certified land use plan.

(c) When determining whether the appeal raises a substantial issue, the Commission may consider factors that may include but are not limited to:

(d) The commission may ask questions of the applicant, the appellant, any person who participated in the local government action, the Attorney General or the executive director prior to determining whether or not to hear an appeal. A majority vote of the members of the commission present shall be required to determine not to hear an appeal.