The Norwalk City Council voted Tuesday to extend a controversial ban on homeless shelters, despite a warning from the state.
On Aug. 6, Norwalk city leaders passed a 45-day moratorium on permits for shelters and supportive housing, as well liquor stores, laundromats, car washes, payday loan businesses and discount stores. The city has called them an “immediate threat to public health, safety and welfare.”
The state responded in a letter dated Sept. 16, warning that the ordinance violates state housing laws and must be repealed. Norwalk officials were given until September 23 to respond in writing or the matter could be referred to the state’s Attorney General. Gov. Gavin Newsom also issued a statement, referring to Norwalk’s policy as “unfathomable” and “immoral.”
One day after the letter was sent, the council voted unanimously to extend the ban by 10 months and 15 days.
“As local leaders, we know best what our population looks like here, including those that are suffering,” Norwalk Mayor Margarita told LAist. “We just ask that the governor really looks at what we've done as a city before they try to impose further demands or mandates on us.”
A legal showdown between California and the L.A. County city now appears imminent.