No earlier than 90 nor later than 240 days after the date of the filing of an application, the commission shall commence a public hearing or hearings on the application in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego, whichever city is nearest the proposed site. Additionally, the commission may hold a hearing or hearings in the county in which the proposed site and related facilities are to be located. The commission hearings shall provide a reasonable opportunity for the public and all parties to the proceeding to comment upon the application and the commission staff assessment and shall provide the equivalent opportunity for comment as required pursuant to Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000). Consistent with the requirements of this section, the commission shall have the discretion to determine whether or not a hearing is to be conducted in a manner that requires formal examination of witnesses or that uses other similar adjudicatory procedures.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 12, Sec. 6. Effective May 22, 2001.)