Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, each board within the department shall, in cooperation with the director, establish such license periods and renewal dates for all licenses in such manner as best to distribute the renewal work of all boards throughout each year and permit the most efficient, and economical use of personnel and equipment. To the extent practicable, provision shall be made for the proration or other adjustment of fees in such manner that no person shall be required to pay a greater or lesser fee than he would have been required to pay if the change in license periods or renewal dates had not occurred.
As used in this section “license” includes “certificate,” “permit,” “authority,” “registration,” and similar indicia of authority to engage in a business or profession, and “board” includes “board,” “commission,” “committee,” and an individual who is authorized to renew a license.