California · Water Code

WAT §6461: If, upon inspection or upon completion to the satisfaction of the department of all work that may be ordered, the department finds that the dam or reservoir is safe to impound water, a certificate of

Read the full statutory text
If, upon inspection or upon completion to the satisfaction of the department of all work that may be ordered, the department finds that the dam or reservoir is safe to impound water, a certificate of approval shall be issued. The owner of the dam or reservoir shall not, through action or inaction, cause the dam or reservoir to impound water following receipt by the owner of a written notice from the department that a certificate will not be issued because the dam or reservoir will not safely impound water. Before such notice is given by the department, the department shall hold a hearing. Written notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be mailed at least 20 days prior to the date set for the hearing, to the owner of the dam or reservoir. Any interested persons may appear at the hearing and present their views and objections to the proposed action. Any petition for a writ of mandate to inquire into the validity of the action of the department shall be commenced within 30 days after receipt by the owner of a written notice from the department that a certificate of approval will not be issued.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.