Gov. Newsom threatens to sue Norwalk over homeless shelter ban

The California Department of Housing and Community Development sent a notice to the city of Norwalk on Monday, threatening legal action over the city’s recent moratorium on emergency shelters and supportive and transitional housing.

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The ordinance, adopted in August, also makes it illegal to “establish, implement, [or] operate” a variety of businesses catering mainly to lower-income households, including laundromats, discount stores, payday lenders, and liquor and convenience stores. The initial 45-day moratorium will be reviewed for a 10-month extension on Tuesday.

According to HCD, the moratorium violates several state planning and fair housing laws. Additionally, the agency says Norwalk hasn’t met its state-mandated housing goals, issuing only 3.5% of the required permits during the current cycle.

“It is unfathomable that as our state grapples with a homelessness crisis, Norwalk would pass an ordinance banning the building of homeless shelters,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement . “It is counterproductive and immoral for any community to throw up their hands and say they’ve done enough while they still have people in need.”

Norwalk has until next Monday to respond to the letter.  State Attorney General Rob Bonta said he’s ready to take legal action if the city doesn’t revoke the moratorium.

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