(a) Applicants who are denied a RRHP loan may appeal the decision of the Loan Review Committee by sending a written request to the Director within 30 days of the date of denial. The appeal letter shall contain the application number (as shown on the Department's notice of denial) and the proposed group name, and the appeal letter shall specify the reason for appeal. Applicants shall send the request for appeal to the Director, Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, 1700 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95811-4037.

(b) Within 10 days of receipt of a request for appeal, the Director or his/her designee shall acknowledge receipt of the appeal in writing and shall set a date for an administrative review interview. The administrative review interview shall be conducted by the Director or his/her designee with the applicants at a mutually convenient location. The Director or his/her designee may also invite a member of the Loan Review Committee to be present at the administrative review interview. The Department shall attempt to ensure that the location and time of the administrative review interview does not impose expense or hardship on the applicant(s).

(c) The administrative review interview shall be an informal process. The applicants shall be given an opportunity to state why they believe that the Loan Review Committee's decision to deny the loan was erroneous and the applicants may present evidence supporting the appeal.

(d) A site visit to the proposed rental property may be included in the administrative review interview.

(e) Within thirty days of the administrative review interview, the Director or his/her designee shall send his/her written decision to the applicants.

(f) The decision of the Director or his/her designee shall be considered binding.