Newsom takes legal action against Norwalk's homeless housing ban

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state officials filed a lawsuit against the city of Norwalk over its ban on new homeless shelters and supportive housing, marking an escalation in the state's efforts to address its housing crisis.

"The Norwalk city council's failure to reverse this ban, despite knowing it is unlawful, is inexcusable. No community should turn its back on its residents in need," Newsom said. 

The lawsuit challenges Norwalk's moratorium on emergency shelters, single-room occupancy housing, supportive housing, and transitional housing, which state officials say violates multiple California housing laws.

Attorney General Rob Bonta said the city had ignored several warnings to repeal the ban. "Today's lawsuit should come as no surprise. Despite receiving several warnings, the city of Norwalk has refused to repeal its unlawful ban on new supportive housing for our most vulnerable residents. Enough is enough," Bonta said. "Every city and county in California has a legal obligation to help solve our homelessness crisis. We have not, and will not hesitate, to ensure that everyone with the power to approve or disapprove housing takes their duties seriously."

The legal action follows Norwalk's decision to extend a 45-day emergency ordinance for an additional 10 months and 15 days, despite receiving a violation notice from the California Department of Housing and Community Development on Sept. 16.

State officials maintain the moratorium violates several state planning and fair housing laws, including the Housing Crisis Act, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, and Housing Element Law. The city has fallen significantly behind on its housing goals, issuing permits for only 175 units — 3.5% of its required 5,034-unit Regional Housing Needs Allocation, which is the number of units needed to ensure that communities have enough housing. 

In response to Norwalk's refusal to lift the ban, state officials decertified the city's housing element on Oct. 3. This action makes Norwalk ineligible for crucial housing and homelessness funding and prevents the city from denying permits to "builder's remedy" affordable housing projects.

HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez criticized the city's stance. "Norwalk's moratorium on housing for its most vulnerable residents is not only unlawful — it is a rejection of people's basic health, safety, and humanity," he said.

The ban came just weeks after Newsom issued an executive order encouraging local governments to use state funding to address unsafe encampments and provide housing and support services to homeless individuals. Since 2019, Norwalk has received nearly $29 million in state housing and homelessness funds.

The case originated with the state's Housing Accountability Unit, established by Newsom in 2021 to ensure local compliance with housing laws. Through enforcement actions and collaboration with local jurisdictions, the unit has helped develop over 7,600 housing units, including over 2,800 affordable units.

In 2024, the unit expanded its focus to include homelessness issues and compliance with related state laws. The lawsuit represents the latest step in California's broader initiative to combat its housing shortage and homelessness crisis through increased enforcement of state housing regulations.