California Gov. Newsom Decertifies Norwalk’s Housing Element Amid Illegal Shelter Ban, State Argues

"The City of Norwalk’s actions have placed them in violation of state housing law."Photo byBreno AssisonUnsplash

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has decertified the City of Norwalk’s housing element due to the city’s violation of state housing laws by implementing an illegal ban on homeless shelters. This decision renders Norwalk ineligible for crucial housing and homelessness funding and prohibits the city from denying "builder’s remedy" affordable housing projects.

Governor Newsom's action follows a warning to Norwalk, emphasizing the state's commitment to holding the city accountable for its unlawful shelter ban. "After the state has provided unprecedented funding to address the homelessness crisis, it’s beyond cruel that Norwalk would ban the building of shelters while people are living on the city’s streets,” said Newsom. “Every city, including Norwalk, must do its part and follow state housing laws."

Norwalk has failed to meet its housing goals, permitting only 175 units during this cycle—just 3.5% of its assigned 5,034 units under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The HCD’s revocation of the city’s housing element compliance aims to accelerate development and compel the city to lift its unlawful ban on housing.

HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez stated, "The City of Norwalk’s actions have placed them in violation of state housing law. Instead of correcting their missteps, they dug in their heels and are now ineligible for key funding."

Despite accepting nearly $29 million in state housing funds, Norwalk enacted a moratorium on various housing types on August 6, extending it on September 17 after receiving a state Notice of Violation. The city has not taken any substantial steps to repeal the moratorium, which violates multiple state planning and fair housing laws.