California sues Norwalk over ban on homeless shelters

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Gov. Gavin Newsom said Norwalk is in violation of state housing requirements after the City Council imposed a moratorium on building new homeless shelters.

LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday California filed a lawsuit against the city Norwalk decree banning new homeless shelters etc. housing.

“The Norwalk City Council’s failure to repeal this ban, despite knowing it is illegal, is inexcusable. No community should turn its back on its residents in need,” Newsom said in a statement.

The lawsuit comes after repeated warnings that the city’s ban violates several state planning and housing laws.

The state also accuses the city of failing to meet housing goals as required by state law.

All this is connected with the moratorium, which was voted for back in August.

The Norwalk City Council initially approved an ordinance in August imposing a 45-day moratorium on emergency shelters, studio apartments, supportive housing and transitional housing. That prompted Newsom last month to warn the city that it violated state law and called on the city to change direction.

However, the City Council strengthened its stance by voting to extend the moratorium for another 10 months.

“Today’s lawsuit should not come as a surprise. Despite receiving multiple warnings, the City of Norwalk has refused to lift its illegal ban on the construction of new supportive housing for our most vulnerable residents. Enough is enough,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Every city and county in California has a legal obligation to help solve our homelessness crisis. We must not and will not hesitate to ensure that everyone who has the power to approve or disapprove housing takes their responsibilities seriously.”

According to Newsom’s office, the city of Norwalk has issued permits for only 175 housing units during the current “housing cycle,” which is only 3.5% of its allocated 5,034 housing units “needed to provide sufficient housing in the area.”

On Oct. 3, the state announced it was decertifying Norwalk’s housing complex in response to a ban on homeless shelters in the city. This eliminates the city’s ability to provide housing and funding for the homeless.