By El Latino Newsroom
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The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) issued the city of Norwalk a Notice of Violation for its ordinance banning the establishment of new homeless shelters and other housing. The notice warns of potential legal action if the city does not reverse its policy.
The notice follows Norwalk’s August 6 adoption of a 45-day urgency ordinance that imposes a moratorium on emergency shelters, single-room occupancy housing, supportive housing, and transitional housing.
The moratorium, set to be reviewed for a 10-month extension on September 17, violates several state laws, including the Housing Crisis Act, the Anti-Discrimination in Land Use Law, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, and Housing Element Law.
“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. “We can’t leave people in dangerous and unsanitary encampments — the city of Norwalk needs to do its part to provide people with shelter and services.”
The moratorium also highlights Norwalk’s failure to meet its housing obligations. The city has issued permits for only 175 units during the current housing element cycle, just 3.5% of its assigned 5,034 units under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).
“The City of Norwalk’s disingenuous moratorium equates badly needed homes for people struggling the most with liquor stores and payday loans,” HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez said. “In doing so, they are harming their own community and blatantly violating state housing laws.”
The Notice of Violation gives Norwalk until September 23 to respond. If the city does not reverse course, HCD may refer the matter to the state attorney general for litigation and revoke Norwalk’s housing element compliance. The city’s housing element was previously deemed compliant in November 2023.
“Banning new emergency shelters and supportive housing not just defies common sense — it is unlawful,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “If necessary, my office stands ready to take legal action against Norwalk.”
The ordinance comes just weeks after Newsom issued an executive order urging local governments to address unsanitary and dangerous encampments and provide housing and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. Since 2019, Norwalk has received nearly $29 million in state housing and homelessness funds.
The Notice of Violation was issued by HCD’s Housing Accountability Unit, established in 2021 to enforce housing laws and assist cities and counties in fulfilling their housing obligations. Since its inception, the unit has supported the development of over 7,400 housing units, including more than 2,700 affordable units, through enforcement actions. In 2024, the unit expanded its focus to include homelessness issues.
