California Attorney General Rob Bonta Monday, Nov. 4, announced that the state of California has filed a lawsuit against the city of Norwalk.
“Norwalk has violated multiple components of the housing law in California,” Bonta said during a press conference.
Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court Monday, Bonta said, the lawsuit also seeks an order compelling the city to repeal its moratorium.
In August, Norwalk City Council approved a moratorium on land uses that included emergency shelters and supportive housing. The city extended the moratorium for an additional 10 months in September and since then has been the subject of threats and legal action from the state.
The moratorium was a response to L.A. County attempting to open an interim housing program at a Norwalk motel.
“The Norwalk City Council’s failure to reverse this ban, despite knowing it is unlawful, is inexcusable,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “No community should turn its back on its residents in need.”
On Oct. 3, the Department of Housing and Community Development revoked Norwalk’s compliance with state housing element law.
The lawsuit asks the court to temporarily suspend the city’s nonresidential permitting authority and prohibit the city from denying qualifying affordable housing projects, according to the attorney general’s office.
“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 city of Norwalk could not immediately be reached for comment.
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