What is the statute of limitations for a writ of mandamus?

" 'The statute of limitations applicable to a writ of mandamus under Code of Civil Procedure section 1085 depends upon the nature of the obligation sought to be enforced. [Citation.]' [Citation.] 'It is often difficult to decide which statute of limitations governs an action for writ of mandate. The code provisions authorizing this action are silent as to the time within which it must be filed. [Citation.] Accordingly, the courts have developed the rule that the question is to be resolved not by the remedy prayed for but by the nature of the underlying right or obligation that the action seeks to enforce. [Citation.]' [Citation.]" (Branciforte Heights, LLC v. City of Santa Cruz (2006) 138 Cal.App.4th 914, 926, italics added.)