Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17920.6

As used in this part, “housing appeals board” means the board or agency of a city or county which is authorized by the governing body of the city or county to hear appeals regarding the requirements of the city or county relating to the use, maintenance, and change of occupancy of hotels, motels, lodginghouses, apartment houses, and dwellings, or portions thereof, and buildings and structures accessory thereto, including requirements governing alteration, additions, repair, demolition, and moving of such buildings if also authorized to hear such appeals. In any area in which there is not such a board or agency, “housing appeals board” means the local appeals board having jurisdiction over such area.