§ 6156. Stages of Review by a Public Entity.

(a) Request for Further Written Information. A complainant may request the public entity to provide him with a full written explanation of its determination and the basis therefore, if he feels that the explanation accompanying the payment of the claim or notice of the entity's determination was incorrect or inadequate. The public entity shall provide such an explanation to the complainant within three weeks of its receipt of his request.

(b) Informal Oral Presentation. A complainant may request an informal oral presentation before seeking formal review and reconsideration. A request for an informal oral presentation shall be filed within the period described in subsection (d) of this section, and within 15 days of the request the public entity shall afford the complainant the opportunity to make such presentation. The complainant may be represented by an attorney or other person of his choosing. This oral presentation shall enable the complainant to discuss the claim with the head of the public entity or a designee (other than the person who made the initial determination) having authority to revise the initial determination on the claim. The public entity shall make a summary of the matters discussed in the oral presentation to be included as part of its file. The right to formal review and reconsideration shall not be conditioned upon requesting an oral presentation.

(c) Written Request for Review and Reconsideration. At any time within the period described in subsection (d) a complainant may file a written request for formal review and reconsideration. The complainant may include in the request for review any statement of fact within the complainant's knowledge or belief or other material which may have a bearing on the appeal. If the complainant requests more time to gather and prepare additional material for consideration or review and demonstrates a reasonable basis therefor, the complainant's request should be granted.

(d) Time Limit for Requesting Review. A complainant desiring either an informal oral presentation or seeking a formal review and reconsideration shall make a request to the public entity within eighteen months following the date he moves from the property or the date he receives final compensation for the property, whichever is later.