California sues SoCal city over homeless shelter ban

The state of California has filed a lawsuit against Norwalk, alleging that the city’s moratorium on new homeless shelters and supportive housing violates several housing laws.

The lawsuit, which was first reported by the Los Angeles Times, alleges that Norwalk’s ordinance violates anti-discrimination, fair housing and other laws.

The lawsuit comes after Norwalk lost its eligibility to receive state housing and homelessness funds in October after the state Department of Housing and Community Development revoked its compliance with the housing element law. 

In August, the Norwalk City Council adopted an ordinance putting a moratorium on various establishments, including emergency shelters, along with transitional and supportive housing.

In September, the City Council voted to extend the moratorium without discussion. Before City Council members voted on the extension, HCD sent city officials a “Notice of Violation and Corrective Action Letter” regarding the ordinance.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has threatened legal action against the city in the past if the ordinance wasn’t reversed.

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

In July, Newsom signed an executive order, which, among other things, allowed state and local officials to dismantle homeless encampments.

The executive order was issued in response to a Supreme Court decision in late June that granted officials authority to remove the encampments and ticket people for camping in public in Grants Pass, Oregon. While some city leaders applauded the executive order, others, like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, called the decision “unfortunate.”

While Newsom cannot force local authorities to act, his administration can apply pressure by withholding money for counties and cities.

Norwalk’s moratorium extension will expire on Aug. 5, 2025.