Golden State Today

California's Attorney General Rob Bonta, Governor Gavin Newsom, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Gustavo Velasquez have filed a lawsuit against the City of Norwalk. The legal action challenges Norwalk's ban on new housing intended for vulnerable populations, including emergency shelters and supportive housing. Filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the lawsuit seeks to compel Norwalk to repeal its ban, citing violations of state laws.

Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, "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."

Governor Gavin Newsom added his voice to the criticism: "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."

HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez expressed disappointment over the city's actions: "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 emphasized the importance of holding cities accountable when they fail to comply with state housing laws.

The lawsuit outlines that Norwalk violated several state statutes including California’s urgency ordinance statute and the Housing Crisis Act. On July 13, 2023, Attorney General Bonta issued legal guidance reminding local governments about strict requirements under state law regarding “urgency zoning ordinances.” Despite these guidelines and a subsequent Notice of Violation from HCD on September 16, 2024, Norwalk extended its moratorium without required legislative findings.

Governor Newsom announced on October 3 that HCD had decertified Norwalk’s housing element due to non-compliance. As a result, Norwalk cannot deny certain affordable housing projects or receive key state funds related to housing and homelessness until it addresses these issues.

A copy of the lawsuit is available online.