Gov. Gavin Newsom has threatened legal action if the city of Norwalk does not lift its ban on homeless shelters and other housing.

“It is incomprehensible that the City of Norwalk would pass an ordinance banning the construction of homeless shelters at a time when the state is addressing a homelessness crisis,” Newsom said in a statement. “It is counterproductive and immoral for any community to throw up its hands and say enough is enough when there are still people who need help.”

Last month, the city of Norwalk passed an ordinance that temporarily bans homeless shelters, studio apartments and supportive housing. The ordinance also bans liquor stores, laundromats, car washes and payday loan outlets.

“The uses enumerated and defined above, due to their operational characteristics, have the potential to result in detrimental impacts to the local community (property maintenance, excessive sprawl, security noise, and potential economic impacts),” according to a Sept. 17 city staff report.

The report recommended the City Council extend the ban on homeless shelters, liquor stores and other development for another 10 1/2 months.

The Newsom administration Notification of violations of various housing laws The city has threatened to send the case to the Attorney General's Office for enforcement unless the ordinance is rescinded. Norwalk has until Monday to respond.

“The residents of Norwalk, and indeed all of California, should be outraged,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. “If necessary, my office is prepared to take legal action against Norwalk.”