Norwalk City Council
December 3, 2024

AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 3, 2024
C

LOSED SESSION MEETING
5:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
6:00 p.m.

NORWALK CITY HALL/COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Margarita L. Rios, Mayor
Tony Ayala, Vice Mayor
Jennifer Perez, Councilmember
Rick Ramirez, Councilmember
Ana Valencia, Councilmember
Public Comment: The public is encouraged to address City Council on any matter listed on the agenda or on any other matter within its jurisdiction subject to the rules of decorum described in Section 2.08.020 of the Norwalk Municipal Code. If you wish to address City Council, please complete a speaker card and hand the card to the Sergeant at Arms. City Council will hear public comment on items listed on the agenda during discussion of the matter and prior to a vote and on matters not listed on the agenda during the Oral Communications period.

P
ursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The City Council may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters f or consideration at a future City Council meeting.

P
lease adhere to the following procedures when addressing the City Council: Comments should be limited to 3 minutes or less and
directed to the City Council as a whole and not directed to individual Councilmembers.

A
mericans with Disabilities Act: In compliance with the ADA, if you need special assistance to participate in a City meeting or other services offered by this City, please contact the City Clerk’s department, (562) 929 -5720. Assisted listening devices are available at this meeting. Ask the City Clerk if you desire to use this device. Upon request, the agenda and documents in the agenda packet can be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability. Notification of at leas t 48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service.

No
te: Any writings and/or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda after it has been posted will also be made available for public inspection. Writings and/or documents are available for inspection in the City Clerk’s Department, during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every other Friday; telephone (562) 929-5720. You may also contact the City Clerk via e-mail at [email protected].

Gov. Code § 84308: Parties to any proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use pending before the Ci ty Council must disclose any campaign contribution over $250 (aggregated) within the preceding 12 months made by the party, their agent, and those required to be aggregated with their contributions under Gov. Code § 82015.5. The disclosure must include the amount contributed and the name(s) of the contributor(s). "G.C. § 84308: Yes" on this agenda indicates that the item is subject to these regulations.

City Council, December 3, 2024 Page 2 of 5

CLOSED SESSION MEETING – 5:00 PM

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Rios

ROLL CALL

Theresa Devoy, CMC
City Clerk

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION MATTERS

CLOSED SESSION

I. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(1) – State of California vs. City of Norwalk, Case No. 24STCP03551.

II. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8: Property: Assessor Parcel Number 8045 -008-902 (California Youth Authority); Negotiating Parties: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager, on behalf of the City and State of California; Und er Negotiation; Price and Terms of Payment.

RECESS

REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Rios

INVOCATION

Pastor Myrna Brito
Spirit Life Community Church

FLAG SALUTE

Young Marine Corporal Avery Camacho
LCpl Kenneth L. Worley Young Marines

ROLL CALL

Theresa Devoy, CMC
City Clerk

CLOSED SESSION REPORT

City Council, December 3, 2024 Page 3 of 5

CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS

a. Report of City Council Travel

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS

1. Veteran’s Villas Ribbon Cutting Ceremony video.

2. Bi-Weekly Review video.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Consent calendar items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and roll call vote.

Any item may be removed from the consent calendar and considered separately by City Council.

1. WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES ON THE AGENDA Staff recommends City Council waive reading in full of all ordinances on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

2. MEETING MINUTES
Staff recommends City Council approve the minutes of the meeting of November 19, 2024. 825-04

3. PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 27, 2024 – NOVEMBER 9, 2024 Staff recommends City Council approve gross payroll in the amount of $1,213,975.85; the payroll check numbers 38283 – 38287 and the voucher numbers 338629 – 339127 in the total net amount of $891,838.16 for the pay period October 27, 2024 – November 9, 2024.

4. COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
Staff recommends City Council approve the warrant register period November 12, 2024 – November 25, 2024, in the total amount of $4,214,859.35. 640

5. PLANNING COMMISSION SYNOPSIS - NOVEMBER 25, 2024
No action required.

6. ORDINANCE NO. 24 -1754 - ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2022 -02 (2024 -02) ESTABLISHING SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE "NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN" Staff recommends City Council adopt Ordinance No. 24- 1754, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2022-02 (2024-04) ESTABLISHING SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE “NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN”.

7. ORDINANCE NO. 24 -1755 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024 -05 - TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE CITY’S DENSITY BONUS ORDINANCE AND UPDATE THE DEFINITION OF “FAMILY”

Staff recommends City Council:
a. adopt Ordinance No. 24-1755, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO DENSITY BONUS ORDINANCE AND UPDATE THE DEFINITION OF “FAMILY;” and
b. Consider and find the project exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption).

City Council, December 3, 2024 Page 4 of 5

8. RESOLUTION NO. 24-60 – APPROVING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN INTERAGENCY MEMORANDUMS

OF UNDERSTANDING TEMPLATE

Staff recommends City Council to:

a. adopt Resolution No. 24- 60, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

NORWALK APPROVING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN INTERAGENCY MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING TEMPLATE; and
b. authorize the City Manager to execute Interagency Memorandums of Understanding between the City and the Communications, Community Development, and Public Safety Departments, on behalf of the City, in forms approved by the City Attorney.

9. ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE AS PART OF THE 2025 -2030

CONSOLIDATED PLAN PROCESS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME

INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP FUNDS
Staff recommends City Council adopt the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice to be in compliance with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development rule 24 Code of Federal Regulation 91.

10. CHARGE READY CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE AND REBATE PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT AND

VEHICLE CHARGERS OPERATOR AGREEMENT

Staff recommends City Council:

a. approve an agreement with Southern California Edison; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Charge Ready Charging Infrastructure and Rebate Participation Agreement; and b. approve an agreement with EvGateway ; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Electric Vehicle Chargers Operator Agreement on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.

11. THIRD AMENDMENT - LEASE EXTENSION AGREEMENT FOR THE PROPERTY AT 12405 ROSECRANS AVENUE – NORWALK AUTO AUCTION
Staff recommends City Council approve Amendment No. 3 to the agreement with Aquirecorp extending the ground lease to a month -to-month rental term in the amount of $71,776.58 per month through March of 2025; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.

ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS

12. RESOLUTION NO. 24 -61- APPROVING A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND CITY OF NORWALK FOR REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13200 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE (APN NO. 8045-008-902)

Staff recommends City Council:

a. adopt Resolution No. 24-61 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK

APPROVING THE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND CITY OF NORWALK; and
b. authorize the City Manager to make any non -substantive minor modifications and execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.

City Council, December 3, 2024 Page 5 of 5

REPORTS

13. EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH BREAK – CLOSURE OF SOME CITY OPERATIONS FROM DECEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 27, 2024

Staff recommends City Council approve:

a. the allocation of 35 hours of Mental Health Break to full -time employees and 12 hours of Mental Health Break to part-time employees; and
b. the closure of City Hall and other City facilities from December 23 to December 27, 2024, with the exception of some essential City services in the Public Safety, Public Services, Transportation, Recreation, and Social Services Departments.

14. JANUARY 2025 MEETING SCHEDULE

Staff recommends City Council authorize:

a. canceling the January 7, 2025 meeting and holding one regularly scheduled meeting on January 21, 2025; or
b. continue to hold two meetings in January on the 7 and 21, 2025.

15. 605 ALL STAR BAND PARADE REHEARSAL – REQUEST TO CLOSE STREETS Staff seeks City Council direction.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

ADJOURNMENT

I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated November 27, 2024.

Theresa Devoy, CMC
City Clerk

20241119

825-04

MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS

NORWALK CITY COUNCIL

NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
NOVEMBER 19, 2024

CLOSED SESSION MEETING

Vice Mayor Ayala called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California. Responding to roll call were Councilmembers Perez and Ramirez, and Vice Mayor Ayala . Councilmember Valencia and Mayor Rios arrived after roll call. Also present were Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Arnold M. Alvarez-Glasman, City Attorney; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION MATTERS

There were no persons wishing to address City Council on the matters to be discussed in closed session.

CLOSED SESSION

City Council immediately convened to closed session for discussion on the following matters:

I. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(1) – State of California vs. City of Norwalk, Case No. 24STCP03551.

II. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8: Property: Assessor Parcel Number 8045-008-902 (California Youth Authority); Negotiating Parties: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager, on behalf of the City and State of California; Under Negotiation; Price and Terms of Payment.

RECESS

City Council recessed at 6:12 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.

REGULAR MEETING

Mayor Rios called the meeting to order at 6: 24 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California. City Council was present in its entirety with Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala , and Mayor Rios responding to roll call. Also present were Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Arnold M. Alvarez, City Attorney; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.

Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024

2 The invocation was delivered by Michael Gutierrez , Redeemer Covenant Church; followed by the flag salute, led by Young Marine Private Abygail Gutierrez, LCpl Kenneth L. Worley Young Marines.

CLOSED SESSION REPORT

The City Attorney indicated there was no reportable action taken on the matters discussed in closed session.

CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilmember Ramirez requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Gilbert Ramirez. Councilmember Perez shared that she is proud of LuTEC High School as they are very involved with the communi ty; reported on her attendance at the Veterans Day Tribute and Mercy H ousing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; and welcomed Mila Walker in attendance. Councilmember Valencia shared the Soroptimist International of Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Flapjack Fundraiser was a success; and wished all a Happy Thanksgiving. Vice Mayor Ayala reported on his attendance at Beyond Deals Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Bright Future Preschool Academe Ribbon Cutting and c ongratulated them on their Grand Re- Opening; and congratulated the City Manager and thanked all staff for the success of the Mercy Housing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Mayor Rios reported on her attendance at Raising Canes R ibbon Cutting and shared that they donated money to John Glenn and Norwalk high schools; she also attended the Veterans Day Tribute and the California Urban Forests Counc il’s Conference; and requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Marvin “Pete” Lee Chestler and Janet Rock , Little Lake City School District Board Member.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

City Council r ecognized November 30, 2024 as Small Business Saturday accepted by Norwalk Chamber of Commerce.

City Council presented a proclam ation to Adriana Martinez and her family, members of the Mimbreño, Chemehuevi, and Standing Rock tribes declaring November as Native American Heritage month in the City of Norwalk.

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS

The Urban Forestry Management Plan Update/Tree Master Plan was presented by Glen Kau, Director of Public Services/City Engineer.

Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024

3 The Pavement / Street Maintenance / Traffic Collision Update was presented by Mario Mera, Engineering Division Manager.

The Parks and G reen Space Maintenance / S afety update was presented by Allan Perdomo, Director of Parks and Recreation Services.

Commercial Shopping Center Enhancements update was presented by Alexander Hamilton, Interim Community Development Director.

Videos were shared highlighting the Veterans Day event and Bi-Weekly Review.

CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent calendar items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and roll call vote. Councilmember Perez moved and Vice Mayor Ayala seconded to approve consent calendar as recommended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala and Mayor Rios
NOES: None
ABSENT: None

MEETING MINUTES

City Council approved the minutes of the meeting of November 6, 2024. 825-04

PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 13, 2024 – OCTOBER 26, 2024

City Council approve d gross payroll in the amount of $1,219,051.98; the payroll check numbers 38273 – 38282 and the voucher numbers 338126 – 338628 in the total net amount of $912,365.34 for the pay period October 13, 2024 – October 26, 2024. 630

COMMERCIAL DEMANDS

City Council approved the warrant register period October 22, 2024 – November 11, 2024, in the total amount of $5,906,049.00.
640

Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024

4 PROJECT NO. 7228 – ACCEPT WORK FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS –

ROSECRANS AVENUE BETWEEN STUDEBAKER ROAD AND CARMENITA ROAD, FEDERAL PROJECT NO. HSIPL-5347(038) - ENGINEERS REPORT 24-19

City Council accepted the work of Select Electric Inc. in the amount of $2,220,149 for Project No. 7228 Rosecrans Traffic Signal Improvements Federal Project 5347(038).

1005-04-7228

PROJECT NO. 7230 – ACCEPT WORK FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS –

SAN ANTONIO DRIVE/NORWALK BOULEVARD BETWEEN ROSECRANS AVENUE

AND CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, AND ON CIVIC CENTER DRIVE BETWEEN NORWALK BOULEVARD AND BLOOMFIELD AVENUE, FEDERAL PROJECT NO. HSIPL - 5347(040) - ENGINEERS REPORT 24-20

City Council accepted the work of KDC, Inc., dba Dynalectric in the amount of $1,671,048 for Project No. 7230 San Antonio - Norwalk Boulevard Traffic Signal Improvements Federal Project 5347(040).
1005-04-7230

PROJECT NO. 7232 - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES AMENDMENT NO. 1 - ENGINEERS REPORT 24-15

City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. to continue the scope of work of Construction Management and Inspection Services for Project No. 7232 in an amount not to exceed $53,998.50, which will increase the agreement amount from $159,235, not to exceed $213,233.50; and authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
1005-04-7232

PROJECT NO. 7241 - AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - STUDEBAKER AND HALCOURT TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION / RESOLUTION NO. 24 -59 -

BUDGET AMENDMENT

City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 24 -59, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE STREET RENOVATION FUNDS TO PROJECT NO. 7241 - STUDEBAKER AND HALCOURT TRAFFIC SIGNAL, in the amounts $72,000; and
b. awarded a contract to PTM General Engineering Services, for construction of Project No. 7241 – Studebaker and Halcourt Traffic Signal Modification, in the amount of $491,091 with up to the 15% contingency if necessary; and authorized the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract and any amendments within the 15% contingency, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024

5 c. awarded a contract to Southstar Engineering and Consulting, Inc., in the amount of $106,350, for Construction Management and Inspection services for Project No. 7241 - Studebaker and Halcourt Traffic Signal Modification; and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
610/1005-04-7241

PROJECT NO. 7865 - CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR FACILITY TENANT IMPROVEMENT / RESOLUTION NO. 24 -45 – BUDGET AMENDMENT AND AWARD

OF CONTRACT

City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 24- 45, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 ADOPTED BUDGET BY APPROVING THE USE OF TRANSIT RESERVES TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR PROJECT NO. 7865 FACILITY AND TENANT IMPROVEMENTS, in the amount of $87,004; and
b. authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Tovey/Shultz Construction, Inc. for Construction Services for NTS’ Tenant Improvement Project No. 7865 in the amount of $2,703,116.90 from December 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025, and any amendments provided there is funding in the budget, and it is within the City Manager’s signing authority, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
610/1005-04-7865

APPOINTMENTS

ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS

Councilmember Valencia moved and Mayor Rios seconded to confirm Councilmember Valencia’s appointment of Laura Valenzuela to the Senior Center Commission. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor Rios
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
200

YOUTH COMMISSION

Mayor Rios discussed the Youth Commission and asked City Council to consider reducing the number of appointed members to ten and amending the age range to 16 -

26. City Council discussed the item and the City Manager to provide an analysis of the commission regarding age, title, and size at a future meeting.

Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024

6 CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION

Mayor Rios recommended creating a Sustainability Commission to assist with developing environmental policy and decisions, developing a climate action plan, and identifying areas in which the City could reduce its carbon footprint. City Council discussion ensued.

Councilmember Valencia request ed staff bring back the item with more information highlighting goals and availability. Councilmember Ramirez suggested the sustainability goals be added into the roles of an existing commission. Councilmember Perez suggested that staff be directed to analyze all commissions, provide a budget analysis of the cost to add a new one, and evaluate how commissions are promoted for participation.

Vice Mayor Ayala shared that an additional commission adds more staffing and resources that need to be accounted for. Mayor Rios expressed the urgency of needing a sustainability commission. City Council directed staff to provide status of all commissions and a budget analysis. Received and filed.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

ORDINANCE NO. 24-1755 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-05 - TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE CITY’S DENSITY BONUS ORDINANCE AND UPDATE THE DEFINITION OF “FAMILY”

Mayor Rios opened the public hearing to consider amending the Norwalk Municipal Code related to Density Bonus and find the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing.

Gabriel Salazar, Planning Technician, provided a report. There being no persons wishing to speak in the matter, Mayor Rios closed the public hearing. Councilmember Perez moved and Councilmember Ramirez seconded to:

a. Introduce by title only Ordinance No. 24- 1755, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE

RELATED TO DENSITY BONUS ORDINANCE AND UPDATE THE DEFINITION OF “FAMILY” and schedule for adoption; and
b. Consider and find the project exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption).

MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor Rios
NOES: None
ABSENT: None

Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024

7 RESOLUTION NO. 24 -58 - FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT STATE CLEARING HOUSE NO. 2022070103 / RESOLUTION NO. 24 -56 - GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2022 -01 (2024- 01) / RESOLUTION NO. 24 -57 - ZONE CHANGE NO. 2022-01 (2024-02) / ORDINANCE NO. 24-1754 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2022-02 (2024-04) TO ESTABLISH SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE “NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN”

Mayor Rios re-opened the continued public hearing to adopt Environmental Findings, a General Plan Amendment, a Zone Change, and a Zoning Text Amendment to establish Specific Plan Area No. 17. The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing. Testifying as neutral was Leonard Delarosa. Testifying in opposition were David Ventura, Andrew Seymour, Juana Melara, Christina Sanchez, Rene Asolas, Justin Walters, Gus Torres, Godfred Wachira, Guadalupe Torres, Jose Covarrubias, Elizabeth Rico, and Maria Castaneda. The Clerk shared that email comments were received in opposition of the matter. There being no other persons wishing to speak in the matter Mayor Rios closed the public hearing. Alex Hamilton, Interim Director of Community Development, Martin Leitner, Senior Urban Designer/Senior Associate Perkins&Will, and Gena Guisar, American Institute of Certified Planners, Director of Planning Services, CSG Consultants, Inc. provided a report. The City Attorney indicated that the response letter prepared by the City’s consultant, Michael Baker International would be entered into the record along with all correspondence received. City Council discussion ensued .

Councilmember Perez shared that the 40% low/moderate income level is required by the State of California. She also explained that Assembly Bill 518, which was adopted in 2019, provides the City with the first right of refusal for the sale and development of the property, and without that legislation the State of California could have implemented a different development involving more low-income housing without any consideration of the City. City Council mirrored Councilmember Perez’ comments. Mayor Rios moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to:

a. adopted Resolution No. 24- 58, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF

NORWALK ADOPTING ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, CERTIFYING THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE “NORWALK TRA NSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN” (SCH #2022070103),

APPROVING A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM, AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS;
b. adopted Resolution No. 24- 56, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2022 -01 (2024-01) ADDING A SPECIFIC PLAN AREA LAND USE DESIGNATION AND

CHANGING THE CURRENT DESIGNATION FROM INSTITUTIONAL (I) TO SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17;
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024

8 c. adopted Resolution No. 24- 57, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 2022-01 (2024-02) TO RE- ZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12300 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE FROM INSTITUTIONAL (I) TO SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17; and
d. introduced by title only Ordinance No. 24- 1754, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2022 -02 (2024- 04) ESTABLISHING THE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE “NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN”, and schedule for adoption.

MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES: Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor Rios
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
320-02-01-2022-01(2024-01)/320-09-2022-01(2024-02)/320-05-2022-02(2024-04)/1005-04-7859

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Addressing City Council was Brian Tindall.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m., in memory of Gilbert Ramirez, Marvin “Pete” Lee Chestler, and Janet Rock.

____________________________

THERESA DEVOY, CMC

CITY CLERK
ATTEST:

____________________________
MARGARITA L. RIOS
MAYOR
City Council Agenda Report
December 3, 2024
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Jana Stuard, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Karmin Hernandez Persi, Financial Analyst
SUBJECT: PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 27, 2024 – NOVEMBER 9, 2024 Background:

The City’s gross payroll cost for the period October 27, 2024 – November 9, 2024 totals $1,213,975.85.

Fiscal Impact:

N/A
Citizens Advised:

N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:

N/A
Recommended Action:

Staff recommends City Council approve gross payroll in the amount of $1,213,975.85; the payroll check numbers 38283 – 38287 and the voucher numbers 338629 – 339127 in the total net amount of $891,838.16 for the pay period October 27, 2024 – November 9, 2024.

Attachments:

N/A

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
1 KNOLLER MONTESSORI LLC
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198541
$4,549.52
2 ADRIANA CAMACHO GARCIA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198542
$908.77
3 ASHLEY MARIE LEVARIO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198543
$2,310.57
4 GROW AND LEARN CENTER
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198544
$3,193.34
5 CANDICE KATRINA MONTAU
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198545
$707.20
6 CARMEN ALCARAZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198546
$1,392.50
7 CATHERINE YAJAIRA AMAYA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198547
$703.82
8 EFROCINA HERNANDEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198548
$1,414.42
9 ELIZABETH L PIMENTEL
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198549
$597.85
10 ERNESTO HERRERA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198550
$1,915.85
11 FIDELIA LOPEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198551
$2,824.62
12 HECTOR FERREYRA NAVARRO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198552
$1,212.02
13 JAVIER MEZA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198553
$1,738.00
14 JUAN JOSE LEMUS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198554
$1,183.91
15 JUSTIN IVAN GONZALEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198555
$694.42
16 KEISHA MARIE PARKER
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198556
$908.77
17 MARIA ANGELINA VEGA PONCE
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198557
$278.62
18 MARIA REFUGIO CARDENAS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198558
$263.05
19 MARIANNE FRANCINE GONZALES
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198559
$758.65
20 MARISOL LOPEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198560
$1,714.28
21 MARTHA RADILLO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198561
$1,007.08
22 MICHELLE YVETTE ORTIZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198562
$566.34
23 NANCY MICHELLE SANCHEZ ROSAS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198563
$1,782.49
24 NEW HARVEST CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198564
$1,310.00
25 ROCIO LOPEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198565
$1,653.10
26 RODOLFO ROMERO JR
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198566
$1,155.80
27 MARIA DEL CONSUELO RUIZ MADRIGAL
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198567
$3,338.16
28 SAMIR HUMAYUN
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198568
$4,140.73
29 SARAH CORRINE SMITH WHITSON
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198569
$908.77
30 SINA SALEAPAGA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198570
$1,617.10
31 SUSAN ALDAMA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198571
$879.01
32 SUZANNA E RAMOS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198572
$685.29
33 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198573
$2,763.00
34 VANESSA MARIE CONTRERAS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198574
$2,121.63
35 VERONICA NICHOLE AMBRIZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198575
$577.90
36 VICTORIA ESCOBEDO HURTADO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198576
$908.77
37 ACE 5ON5 LLC

YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSIGNOR
198577
$550.00
38 AREA E CIVIL DEFENSE & DISASTER
MEMBERSHIP DUES FY 25
198578
$11,329.00

Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
39 WENDY WENLEE YANG

RENTAL ASSISTANCE/SOCIAL SERVICES
198579
$4,200.00
40 BADGER METER INC

AMR/AMI METER SERVICES
198580
$1,354.08
41 BIG BEN INC
TASK 4/LEAD SERVICE LINE INSPECTION
198581
$38,000.00
42 BRANDON ORTIZ

RENTAL ASSISTANCE/SOCIAL SERVICES
198582
$8,850.00
43 BUENO GROUP INC

RESIDENTIAL REHAB PROGRAM
198583
$4,200.00
44 DISTRICT LODGE 947, IAMAW

EMPLOYEE UNION DUES
198584
$5,436.97
45 CYNTHIA J LUJAN
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198112
198585
$1,890.00
46 ARAKELIAN ENTERPRISES INC

UTILITY ASSISTANCE/SOCIAL SERVICES
198586
$77.42
47 HONEYCOTT INC

BEE REMOVAL SERVICE
198587
$255.00
48 KDC INC

RETENTION RELEASE
198588
$83,552.37
49 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
COPE PAYMENTS/OCTOBER 24
198589
$1,639.06
50 EVELYN NUNO

EXPENSE ALLOWANCE/NOVEMBER
198591
$200.00
51 FAIR HOUSING FOUNDATION

FAIR HOUSING SERVICES
198592
$1,036.43
52 FRANCHISE TAX BOARD
PAYROLL DEDUCTION: 11/09/24
198593
$1,111.00
53 FREDERICK LOPEZ II

SPECIAL PERMIT REFUND
198594
$210.00
54 GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL
MEMBERSHIP DUES FY 25
198595
$20,000.00
55 GO PERMITS LANE

OVER PAYMENT REFUND
198596
$81.04
56 GOGOV INC

CITIZEN REQUEST MANAGEMENT
198597
$9,468.00
57 GROUP IV POMONA PROPERTIES LTD
BUSINESS LICENSE 24000310
198598
$156.00
58 HARRELL & COMPANY ADVISORS LLC

CDIAC ANNUAL DEBT REPORT
198599
$4,500.00
59 IMPEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

R8N85A CX600
198600
$11,259.70
60 IZADORA GUTIERREZ
BEGINNERS GOLF #17064 REFUND
198601
$35.00
61 JB WHOLESALE ROOFING BUILDING SUPPL

BUSINESS LICENSE REFUND
198602
$550.18
62 JESUS GOMEZ

DINNER WITH THE MAYOR REIMBURSEMENT
198603
$122.71
63 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY (US) MNGMT

SENIOR CENTER ALARM
198604
$611.81
64 JOSEPH JAY DERTHICK

SELACO ATTENDANCE STIPEND
198605
$150.00
65 KIMBERLY SUE APODACA

EXPENSE ALLOWANCE/NOVEMBER
198606
$200.00
66 LIBERTY UTILITIES CORP

UTILITIES/CITYWIDE
198607
$19,911.76
67 LIBERTY UTILITIES CORP

UTILITY ASSISTANCE/SOCIAL SERVICES
198608
$353.16
68 LINDA MARTINA LOPEZ

EXPENSE ALLOWANCE/NOVEMBER
198609
$200.00
69 LISA VERNOLA SALAS

EXPENSE ALLOWANCE/NOVEMBER
198610
$200.00
70 MARK CONSIGLIO

SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND
198611
$1,779.96
71 MCT TECHNOLOGY INC

CARE TRACK/ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
198612
$12,300.00
72 MEGABRAND KITCHEN AND BATCH INC

BUSINESS LICENSE OVER PAYMENT REFUND
198613
$3,531.28
73 MICHAEL JACKSON

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
198614
$180.00
74 NADA BUS INC

TRANSPORTATION ORCHESTRA
198615
$1,170.00
75 NOKIA OF AMERICA CORP

BUSINESS LICENSE REFUND
198616
$91.34
76 NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198132
198617
$3,458.34

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
77 NORWALK FLOAT FOUNDATION

CONTRIBUTION/TA
198618
$2,000.00
78 NORWALK GOAL CAR WASH
VEHICLE 271023 CAR WASH
198619
$24.99
79 NORWALK LA MIRADA USD

CONTRIBUTION/RR
198620
$250.00
80 NORWALK PRINTERS INC

LETTERHEAD RED FOIL
198621
$1,044.34
81 PATRICIA SANDOVAL
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198134
198622
$1,050.00
82 RETURN TO WORK PARTNERS INC

ACCOMMODATION MEETING
198623
$1,837.50
83 REYES COCA COLA BOTTLING LLC

BUSINESS LICENSE REFUND
198624
$170.32
84 RIO HONDO COMM COLLEGE DISTRICT

ENROLLMENT FEE
198625
$237.10
85 ROADLINE PRODUCTS INC USA

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES
198626
$52.92
86 ROSA BARRAGAN

EXPENSE ALLOWANCE/NOVEMBER
198627
$200.00
87 BARRY ROBINSON

FOOTBALL AND VOLLEYBALL JERSEYS
198628
$89.80
88 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY

BIO GAS FUEL SERVICES
198629
$14,990.07
89 SOUTHERN CALIF EDISON COMPANY

UTILITIES/CITYWIDE
198630
$12,984.07
90 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON

UTILITY ASSISTANCE/SOCIAL SERVICES
198631
$1,533.84
91 TERRA REALTY ADVISORS INC

CONSULTANT SERVICES
198632
$2,249.15
92 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY

UTILITY ASSISTANCE/SOCIAL SERVICES
198633
$154.41
93 WILLIAM J WADLEY INC

FIELD PATROL UNIFORMS
198634
$763.10
94 THE RADAR SHOP INC

RADAR GUNS RECERTIFICATION
198635
$466.00
95 TRACKIT LLC
FY 25 MANAGEMENTT SOFTWARE
198636
$14,935.00
96 UNIFIRST CORPORATION

SUPPLIES/CITYWIDE
198637
$415.18
97 ARGO ENTERPRISES INC

FIRST AID SUPPY/CITY HALL
198638
$585.46
98 UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
ACCOUNT #42 DEPOSIT
198639
$300.00
99 VASQUEZ & COMPANY LLP

ACFR & SCO
198640
$15,400.00
100

THE CODE GROUP INC

CONSULTANT SERVICES
198641
$31,297.50
101

VERIZON BUSINESS NETWORK SERVICES

UTILITIES/CITYWIDE
198643
$1,560.91
102

UNIVERSAL WASTE SYSTEMS

PORTABLE RESTROOM RENTAL
198644
$260.00
103

A MUSTARD SEED LLC

VETERANS DAY WRAPS
198645
$1,764.88
104

LUIS GOMEZ

SOUND FOR MERCY CEREMONY
198646
$2,375.00
105

MAVIRUS GROUP LLC

RESTROOM TRAILER
198647
$3,500.00
106

COASTAL OCCUPATIONAL MEDICAL
GROUP
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198103
198648
$380.00
107

BECNEL UNIFORMS
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198104
198649
$50.38
108

BUCKNAM & ASSOCIATES INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198105
198650
$2,325.00
109

C A T SPECIALTIES INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198106
198651
$1,203.41
110

PILOT TRAVEL CENTERS LLC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198107
198652
$195.25
111

CERTIFIX INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198108
198653
$277.00
112

CORELOGIC INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198110
198654
$75.00
113

MIKE CABRERA CORPORTATION
RE-ISSUE CHECK# 198113
198655
$6,175.38

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
114

ENGAGE MARKETING
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198117
198656
$2,363.13
115

WW GRAINGER INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198123
198657
$271.98
116

HALO BRANDED SOLUTIONS INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198124
198658
$1,602.37
117

LA CANADA DESIGN GROUP INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198126
198659
$2,920.00
118

SO CALIF REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198129
198660
$448.00
119

MJ PARK DVM INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198131
198661
$450.00
120

MOBILE RELAY ASSOCIATES
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198136
198662
$5,948.00
121

GJKG, INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198138
198663
$250.00
122

UNIFIRST CORPORATION
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198142
198664
$305.21
123

ZORRO LANDSCAPING INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198143
198665
$2,650.00
124

ADVANTEC CONSULTING ENGINEERS INC
PROJECT 7233 DESIGN SERVICES
198666
$2,416.92
125

COASTAL OCCUPATIONAL MEDICAL
GROUP

MEDICAL SCREENINGS
198667
$780.00
126

ALAN'S LAWN AND GARDEN CENTER INC

LANDSCAPE TOOLS
198668
$321.21
127

ALICE P ARMAS

UTILITY BILL REFUND
198669
$388.92
128

ALTEC INC

REPAIRS & INSPECTION
198670
$3,861.83
129

ANDREW DEL CARPIO

CJPIA REIMBURSEMENT
198671
$552.42
130

ANTHONY MARTINEZ
DOG LICENSE 287427 REFUND
198672
$15.00
131

AUTO CHLOR SYSTEM

DISHWASHER MAINTENANCE
198673
$356.38
132

SULLY MILLER CONTRACTING CO

HOT MIX
198675
$260.15
133

BRENNAN ESTIMATING SERVICES

SENIOR CENTER TESTING/INSPECTION
198676
$415.00
134

BUCKNAM & ASSOCIATES INC

WATER MANAGEMENT/ENGINEER SUPPORT
198677
$1,950.00
135

CLEAN ENERGY

M&O SUPPORT/CHARGING STATION
198678
$13,781.57
136

COMPASS GROUP USA INC

COFFEE SUPPLIES/SOCIAL SERVICES
198679
$3,295.36
137

CARLOTA VILLAVICENCIO
DOG LICENSE 331427 REFUND
198680
$23.00
138

CERTIFIX INC

PRE-EMPLOYMENT FINGER PRINTING
198681
$245.00
139

CHENG-HWA SZE

UTILITY BILL REFUND
198682
$113.29
140

CITY OF ARTESIA

EDISON BILL SHARED COST
198683
$346.58
141

CITY OF CERRITOS

PURCHASE OF WATER
198684
$43,120.74
142

CORELOGIC INC

NETWORK SUBSCRIPTION
198685
$398.26
143

CSG CONSULTANTS INC
CITY PROJECT 7859 - ADDITIONAL
198686
$23,193.55
144

CUMMINS INC

BUS COMPENTENCE/REPAIRS
198687
$29,276.14
145

CLIFFORD D WHITE

BACKFLOW TESTING
198688
$100.00
146

DANIELS TIRE SERVICE

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY TIRES
198689
$115.63
147

DAPEER ROSENBLIT & LITVAK LLP

CITY PROSECUTOR SERVICES
198690
$14,724.15
148

DATA TICKET INC

ADMINISTRATION CITE SERVICES
198691
$1,270.00
149

DAVID TRUJILLO

COMPUTER LOAN
198692
$2,060.29
150

HEALTH & HUMAN RESOURCE CENTER INC

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
198693
$1,044.12

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
151

MIKE CABRERA CORPORTATION

NORWALK NOW/NEWSLETTER
198694
$5,407.00
152

DEREK DONNELL

CTA REIMBURSEMENT
198695
$184.96
153

DEWEY SERVICES INCORPORATED

PEST CONTROL SERVICES
198696
$600.00
154

DRUG FREE BUSINESS

OPERATIONS
198697
$343.00
155

EMILIA HERRERA
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198590
198698
$1,000.00
156

NORWALK REALTY INC

PARKING LOT MAINTENANCE
198699
$461.93
157

FELIX ESPINOZA

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
198700
$570.00
158

FRANK T MARCHELLO CO INC
2024 SERVICE AWARD PINS
198701
$2,797.22
159

GALLS PARENT HOLDINGS LLC

POLO/BIKE PATROL UNIFORM
198702
$327.89
160
MIGUEL A. GARCIA

GILLIG INSPECTION REIMBURSEMENT
198703
$385.36
161

GILLIG LLC

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER BUS PARTS
198704
$2,374.77
162

GOLDEN STAR TECHNOLOGY INC

SMART INTERACTIVE KEYBOARDS
198705
$4,968.47
163

THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO

BUS TIRE AND LEASE SERVICES
198706
$6,212.78
164

WW GRAINGER INC

MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES
198707
$302.97
165

H&H AUTO PARTS WHOLESALE

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY AUTO PARTS
198708
$348.22
166

HALO BRANDED SOLUTIONS INC

PERSONALIZED UNIFORM
198709
$1,285.79
167

KEARNEY-NATIONAL INC

LIGHT POLE VISTA VERDE
198710
$19,569.38
168

IPS GROUP INC

TRANSACTION FEE SERVICES
198711
$122.74
169

JANET WELDE

GILLIG INSPECTION REIMBURSEMENT
198712
$372.41
170

JESSICA PATRIZ ROSALES

UTILITY BILL REFUND
198713
$82.12
171

JMDIAZ INC

DESIGN/CONTRACT SERVICES ZONE
198714
$3,705.08
172

JOCELYN GUETA
TAE KWON DO #17038 REFUND
198715
$110.00
173

JTB SUPPLY COMPANY, INC

REFLECTIVE TAPE
198716
$330.75
174

JUAN ECHEVARRIA
DOG LICENSE 307823 REFUND
198717
$37.50
175

JULIO I GONZALEZ

SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND
198718
$3,300.62
176

KARINA NAVAS

UTILITY BILL REFUND
198719
$63.65
177

KOA CONSULTING INC

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
198720
$4,540.00
178

LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT

COURT SURCHARGE FEES
198721
$15,405.00
179

MARIA VALDIVIA
DOG LICENSE 196525 REFUND
198722
$30.00
180

MARY ANN NELSON
DOG LICENSE 273592 REFUND
198723
$75.00
181

MASTER POWDER COATING INC

POWDER COATING TABLE
198724
$350.00
182

MCMASTER-CARR SUPPLY COMPANY

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES
198725
$135.85
183

SO CALIF REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY

FARE MEDIA (REVENUE)
198726
$448.00
184

MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL INC
CITY PROJECT NUMBER 7859 - CEQA
198727
$11,987.41
185

SCI CALIFORNIA FUNERAL SERVICES INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198084
198728
$464.19
186

MOOREFIELD CONSTRUCTION INC

SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND
198729
$20,000.00
187

NANABAH KADENEHII

STORYTELLING LESSON SERVICE
198730
$500.00
188

JOE'S SWEEPING INC

BUST STOP MAINTENANCE
198731
$19,696.81

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
189

NICHOLLS CONSULTING INC

USED OIL RECYCLE
198732
$648.84
190

NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CITY CONTRIBUTION
198733
$3,458.34
191

NORWALK CAR WASH INC
VEHICLE 172124 CAR WASH
198734
$27.00
192

ONLINE INFORMATION SERVICES INC

UTILITY EXCHANGE REPORT
198735
$52.20
193

ONWARD ENGINEERING

BUS STOP IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
198736
$172.50
194

PLACEWORKS INC

CONSULT SERVICES/PLANNING
198737
$9,232.50
195

POWERSTRIDE BATTERY CO

AUTO/BUS BATTERY
198738
$335.15
196

ROBERT THEODORE DRIESLEIN

PERMIT PARKING SIGNS
198739
$275.63
197

REYNOLD WONG

UTILITY BILL REFUND
198740
$109.11
198

RELIABLE MONITORING SERVICES

METHANE DETECT SERVICES
198741
$645.00
199

ROADLINE PRODUCTS INC USA

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES
198742
$1,179.68
200

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC

TEMPORARY STAFF SERVICES
198743
$2,477.30
201

RON IAMS

UTILITY BILL REFUND
198744
$320.72
202

S & A SYSTEMS INC

SERVICES AGREEMENT
198745
$4,671.29
203

SALVADOR HURTADO JR

ATPA CONFERENCE REIMBURSEMENT
198746
$911.65
204

GJKG, INC
ASSESSMENT SERVICES/OCTOBER 2024
198747
$50.00
205

CA PIZZA & SPORT CORPORATION

THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON/SOCIAL SERVICE
198748
$4,000.00
206

SONSRAY MACHINERY LLC

CASE TRACTOR & BACKHOE
198749
$667.82
207

THERESA A CLARK

GILLIG INSPECTION REIMBURSEMENT
198750
$810.49
208

TRI WEST MECHANICAL INC

REPAIRS/SENIOR CENTER
198751
$446.12
209

TRILLIUM ACQUISITION LLC

BIOGAS FUEL
198752
$19,277.88
210

UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT OF SO CA

CALIFORNIA STATE REGISTRATION FEES
198753
$143.39
211

UNIFIRST CORPORATION

SUPPLIES/CITYWIDE
198754
$8,386.83
212

WATERLINE TECHNOLOGIES INC

SUPPLIES AND CHEMICALS
198755
$593.37
213

WEST COAST ARBORISTS INC

TRIMMING TREE/ CITY HALL
198756
$9,315.00
214

WILLDAN ENGINEERING
PROJECT 7903
198757
$5,497.50
215

WOMENS & CHILDRENS CRISIS SHELTER

CONTRIBUTION/MR
198758
$125.00
216

YVETTE BANDA
DOG LICENSE 294486 REFUND
198759
$60.00
217

KNOLLER MONTESSORI LLC
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198760
$8,394.40
218

AIDAN JAMES ZEPPUHAR

CHILD CARE
198761
$693.03
219

ANGELA GARNICA GARCIA
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198762
$1,155.80
220

ARACELI GONZALEZ

CHILD CARE
198763
$3,428.56
221

AUDRIANNA NICOLE SCHUCK
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198764
$274.92
222

BARBARA DENISE LUNA
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
198765
$1,212.02
223

BRASCANCELY CORDON

CHILD CARE
198766
$1,007.08
224

CECILIA GARCIA
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198767
$1,584.98
225

CHRISTINE MICHELLE SANDOVAL

CHILD CARE
198768
$685.28
226

ROSA GABRIELA PAEZ CONTRERAS

CHILD CARE
198769
$1,299.29

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
227

DAVIT PETROSYAN
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
198770
$1,414.40
228

ETELBINA DIAS
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198771
$2,266.18
229

MARIA LOPEZ ESPINOSA
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
198772
$1,183.00
230

EVA LINDA MORENO

CHILD CARE
198773
$1,660.91
231

EVANGELINA ALICEA DE BONALES

CHILD CARE
198774
$1,187.78
232

FILADELFIA GODINEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
198775
$1,697.00
233

GARY DEON WILSON JR
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198776
$739.93
234

GUADALUPE ARELLANO

CHILD CARE
198777
$2,726.52
235

GUILLERMINA MARTINEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198778
$4,904.92
236

IRMA L MENDOZA
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198779
$1,748.87
237

JASMINE GULAKOWSKI

CHILD CARE
198780
$1,007.08
238

JOHN M RUIZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198781
$467.94
239

JUDY ANN ALANIS

CHILD CARE
198782
$1,714.28
240

MARGARITA AUDETAT DE MONTOYA
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198783
$2,493.75
241

MARIA ALEJANDRINA GARCIA
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198784
$606.01
242

MARIA ALICIA MURILLO

CHILD CARE
198785
$1,212.02
243

MARIA DEL CARMEN PEREZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198786
$1,115.89
244

MARIA E HURTADO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198787
$777.21
245

MARIA G RAMIREZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198788
$908.77
246

MARIA SILVA DE RIOS
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
198789
$1,748.87
247

MARISA RAFAELA ZAMUDIO
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
198790
$707.20
248

MARTA ELENA SOTELO RAMIREZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198791
$908.77
249
MARTIN S. HINCH
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198792
$4,092.13
250

NADINE MCGUIRE
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198793
$7,457.77
251

MIREYA M ESPARZA

CHILD CARE
198794
$908.77
252

NAOMI DENISE WELLS
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198795
$908.77
253

NAYANA SRIYANI WITHANA
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198796
$1,439.63
254

NELSON JONATHAN REQUENA MORAN

CHILD CARE
198797
$2,726.31
255

NEW HARVEST CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198798
$2,530.00
256

OSCAR ROBERTO CORTEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
198799
$4,612.40
257

RAFAELA A CHAVEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
198800
$908.77
258

PATRICIA RAMIREZ

CHILD CARE
198801
$1,299.29
259

RAQUEL SILVA

CHILD CARE
198802
$694.42
260

ROSA VASQUEZ DE CARRANZA

CHILD CARE
198803
$908.77
261

ROSALINA MAGRAMO RELLOSA
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198804
$577.90
262

ROSALINDA M JAIMEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
198805
$556.34
263

ROSE LINDA BOWERS
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198806
$1,312.10
264

MARIA DEL CONSUELO RUIZ MADRIGAL
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198807
$6,435.26

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
265

LORETO SALAS
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198808
$16,554.32
266

SARAH ANGELL PAIZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198809
$1,132.20
267

SILVER FLOWER CAMACHO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198810
$176.68
268

SONIA ALONSO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198811
$2,323.17
269

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198812
$5,526.00
270

VALERIA SANDOVAL
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
198813
$1,270.93
271

GUADALUPE VILLAGRAN
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
198814
$4,288.47
272

COASTAL OCCUPATIONAL MEDICAL
GROUP

MEDICAL SCREENINGS
198815
$590.00
273

ALEJANDRO OJEDA

OVER PAYMENT CITATION REFUND
198816
$500.00
274

SNC VETERINAY INC

FELINE NEUTER PROGRAM
198817
$632.00
275

AMOBIUS GROUP INC

CALENDAR SOFTWARE
198818
$900.00
276

ART OF BRONZE INC

STATUE REPAIR
198819
$5,000.00
277

BENJAMIN SEPULVEDA

SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND
198820
$2,473.95
278

BETHANI CARDENAS

CJPIA CONFERENCE REIMBURSEMENT
198821
$938.59
279

BRENNAN ESTIMATING SERVICES

ARTS/SPORTS COMPLEX
198822
$2,210.00
280

STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPT OF JUSTICE

EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECK SERVICES
198823
$256.00
281

CALIFORNIA TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP DUES 2025
198824
$8,000.00
282

DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT
ADA-AB 1379 STATE FEE
198825
$1,070.64
283

CLAUDIA HERNANDEZ

NASC RESERVATION FORFEIT
198826
$893.00
284

CLINICAL LAB OF SAN BERNARDINO INC

LAB SERVICE WATER TESTING
198827
$3,384.33
285

CUMMINS INC

BUS COMPETENCE AND REPAIRS
198828
$5,613.40
286

DANIELS TIRE SERVICE

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY TIRES
198829
$65.80
287

DAVID W JACK

NASC SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND
198830
$500.00
288

HONEYCOTT INC

BEE REMOVAL SERVICE
198831
$85.00
289

PEDESTAL CAPITAL II LLC

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION EVENT
198832
$20,805.25
290

ENGAGE MARKETING

BUSINESS BULLETIN
198833
$2,363.13
291

FRONTIER CALIFORNIA INC

BROADBAND/CITYWIDE
198834
$870.00
292

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION
INC

RESIDENTIAL REHAB PROGRAM
198835
$8,016.00
293

GILLIG LLC

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER BUS PARTS
198836
$11,965.88
294

GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY

UTILITIES/CITYWIDE
198837
$375.82
295

WW GRAINGER INC

MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES
198838
$28.03
296

GREENCYCLE

PARKS LANDSCAPE
198839
$4,232.19
297

H&H AUTO PARTS WHOLESALE

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY AUTO PARTS
198840
$2,098.77
298

HECTOR CASTANEDA

ELECTRIC MAINTENANCE SERVICES
198841
$33,010.00
299

JUDITH A NORMAN

NTS CONSULTING SERVICES
198842
$1,875.00
300

JACK M ZAKARIAIE

OVER PAYMENT CITATION REFUND
198843
$194.38

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
301

JOSE M LOPEZ

MUSIC PERFORMANCE
198844
$2,590.00
302

JOSE MELGOZA

TFC CONFERENCE REIMBURSEMENT
198845
$181.70
303

JUAN GUTIERREZ

OVER PAYMENT CITATION REFUND
198846
$50.00
304

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT

CRIME SURPRESS OVERTIME
198847
$27,605.08
305

LUPE MATAELE TATAFU

OVER PAYMENT CITATION REFUND
198848
$11.00
306

MARIA GALINDO

SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND
198849
$500.00
307

MARIA GARCIA

NASC RESERVATION FORFEIT
198850
$900.00
308

MARISA VELEZ

MEETING SUPPLIES REIMBURSEMENT
198851
$74.93
309

MARS ENVIRONMENTAL INC

STREET SECTION
198852
$5,765.79
310

MARTHA ROBLES

TFC CONFERENCE REIMBURSEMENT
198853
$624.21
311

MCMASTER-CARR SUPPLY COMPANY

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES
198854
$255.07
312

MELISSA CAUDILLO

NASC SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND
198855
$500.00
313

MICHAEL JACKSON

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
198856
$180.00
314

N/S CORPORATION

BUS WASH MONTHLY INSPECTION
198857
$608.00
315

MJ PARK DVM INC

FELINE NEUTER PROGRAM
198858
$900.00
316

NORWALK PRINTERS INC

BUSINESS LICENSE AND PET ENVELOPES
198859
$5,073.15
317

POWERSTRIDE BATTERY CO

AUTO/BUS BATTERY
198860
$582.81
318
PSOMAS

NTS TENANT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
198861
$9,530.24
319

PUENTE HILLS FORD LLC

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER FORD PARTS
198862
$636.30
320

REYES CONSTRUCTION INC

CONSTRUCTION
198863
$824,634.66
321

REYES CONSTRUCTION INC

CONSTRUCTION
198864
$414,423.20
322

RIGOBERTO RAMIREZ

NASC SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND
198865
$500.00
323

RIO HONDO COMM COLLEGE DISTRICT

ENROLLMENT AND MATERIAL FEES
198866
$237.10
324

SCOTT FAZEKAS & ASSOCIATES

CONSULT SERVICES BUILDING AND SAFETY
198867
$31,776.46
325

SECTRAN SECURITY INC

CASH CARRIER SERVICES/FINANCE
198868
$1,812.54
326

SONSRAY MACHINERY LLC

CASE TRACTOR & BACKHOE SERVICE
198869
$1,278.19
327

SOUTHERN CALIF EDISON COMPANY

UTILITIES/CITYWIDE
198870
$7,154.87
328

STANDARD INSURANCE COMPANY

J PARKER/AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
198871
$1,969.98
329

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY

UTILITIES/CITYWIDE
198872
$1,132.18
330

WILLIAM J WADLEY INC

FIELD PATROL UNIFORMS
198873
$1,595.64
331

L V CROWN LLC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #191203
198874
$4,988.90
332

ARGO ENTERPRISES INC

FIRST AID SUPPY/CITY HALL
198875
$438.21
333

URBAN RESTORATION GROUP US INC

GRAFFITI REMOVAL CHEMICALS
198876
$3,056.13
334

VERNOLAS TOW SERVICE

ON CALL TOWING SERVICES
198877
$450.00
335

VERONICA LOMAS

MEETING REFRESHMENT REIMBURSEMENT
198878
$148.47
336

VICTOR LUIS MARVIN

OVER PAYMENT CITATION REFUND
198879
$100.00
337

VINCENT GAGLIARDO

OVER PAYMENT CITATION REFUND
198880
$200.00
338

WATERLINE TECHNOLOGIES INC

SUPPLIES AND CHEMICALS
198881
$1,453.38

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
339

WAXIE'S ENTERPRISES LLC

CLEANING SUPPLIES
198882
$92.48
340

WEST COAST ARBORISTS INC

TREE INSPECTION AND REMOVAL
198883
$2,294.80
341

WILLIAM DONAVANT

OVER PAYMENT CITATION REFUND
198884
$500.00
342

ARACELI AVITIA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198885
$694.42
343

BLANCA JUDITH LAMAS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198886
$1,577.18
344

ERENDIRA TORRES SILVA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198887
$891.60
345

FELICIA CROCKETT
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198888
$707.21
346
FRED M. MAESTAS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198889
$2,121.63
347

JUDITH GALVAN
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
198890
$1,879.31
348

ALEJANDRA PINEDA ROMERO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19322
$1,155.80
349

ANDREA MICHELE FLORES
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19323
$908.77
350

ANNA SYLVIA MARTINEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19324
$1,007.08
351

ARIADNA RAYGOZA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19325
$3,658.72
352

BENILDA SANTOS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19326
$805.02
353

CALDERON FAMILY DAY CARE INC
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19327
$2,679.13
354

ANA CASTELLON
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19328
$5,493.72
355

CHANDRIKA UDAYAN GAMARALALAGE
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19329
$1,299.28
356

CHRISTINA RENEE GABRIEL
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19330
$649.35
357

JOYFUL LITTLE LEARNERS FAMILY
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19331
$1,415.22
358

CAROLINE CORRAL
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19332
$2,738.91
359

IRENE DE LA VEGA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19333
$1,299.28
360

DEBORAH ANNA CONEY REED
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19334
$498.09
361

DIAHN LYNETTE HOUSTON
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19335
$1,694.85
362

ELENA ADALINA LOPEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19336
$1,135.84
363

ELIZABETH CARPINTEYRO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19337
$3,710.30
364

ELIZABETH E PEREZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19338
$1,155.80
365

ERICA JEAN HOLGUIN
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19339
$1,586.02
366

ERIKA BARAJAS DIAZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19340
$1,268.29
367

EUREKA FAYE LAURANT
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19341
$1,584.98
368

LUZ A FELIX MEDINA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19342
$4,040.61
369

MARIA EUGENIA FLORES
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19343
$1,068.83
370

GRASIELA CUEVAS PEREZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19344
$1,115.04
371

SHANNA SUE HUNTER
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19345
$6,822.69
372

JACKELINE CHAVEZ MORENO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19346
$707.21
373

MISS JAMIES DAYCARE
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19347
$1,299.28
374

JASMIN ELIZABETH GOMEZ BACA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19348
$2,443.99
375

SHELCO ENTERPRISE LLC
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19349
$34,767.28
376

JULIE ANN BOUTTE
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19350
$2,121.63

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
377

KARLA YAMILETH ALFARO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19351
$5,093.20
378

KATHERINE MARIE HERRERA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19352
$2,959.03
379

LASHAWNAE ARSHANEQ SMITH
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19353
$1,558.38
380

GUTIERREZ FAMILY CHILD CARE
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19354
$2,266.18
381

ADNIL EDUCATIONAL & CONSULTING SVC
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19355
$11,318.11
382

LOPEZ FAMILY HOME CHILD CARE INC
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19356
$3,912.00
383

MA SILVIA ELIZARRARAZ DIAZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19357
$1,299.28
384

MARIA CRUZ MARTINEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19358
$2,860.72
385

MARIA DEL JESUS COTA VALLE
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19359
$908.77
386

MARIA ELENA BENITEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19360
$874.43
387

MARIA MAYELA RIVERA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19361
$908.77
388

MARILYN A JOHNSON
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19362
$1,007.08
389

MARISOL MORALES
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19363
$1,212.02
390

MARJANI WILLIAMS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19364
$10,344.44
391

MARLA SHERICE JOHNSON
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19365
$2,014.16
392

MARTHA PICAZO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19366
$1,007.08
393

MELISHA RENEE BINNS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19367
$1,615.98
394

PILAR MENDEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19368
$4,251.66
395

MINNIE ABIGAIL ZORNOSA SULIBIT
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19369
$1,640.99
396

MIREYA PLASENCIA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19370
$2,323.19
397

NATHANIEL OSIAS DEL ROSARIO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19371
$694.42
398

PALOMARES FAMILY DAYCARE
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19372
$8,056.76
399

PETRA KIMBERLY CABRERA MUNOZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19373
$2,209.66
400

LAVISH HARRIS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19374
$866.71
401

MER ED LLC
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19375
$7,487.50
402

RODOLFO JR PEREZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19376
$771.66
403

ROSA ALBINA RUIZ LOPEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19377
$685.29
404

ROSA ELENA CASTANEDA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19378
$2,280.44
405

ROSA TORRES
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19379
$991.05
406

ROSANA GRACIELA SUAREZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19380
$1,951.95
407

SHELLY ORDIWAY
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19381
$2,915.50
408

SHERON LOUISE BEDELL
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19382
$1,817.54
409

MARIA E FERNANDEZ SILVA
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19383
$2,306.34
410

THIA ARIANNE BARKSDALE
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19384
$1,388.84
411

THE LORDS CHILDREN MISSION
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19385
$4,344.00
412

TOYLAND FAMILY DAY CARE INC
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19386
$1,439.63
413

TRINIDAD SANCHEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19387
$3,148.05
414

VANESSA MOLLY DYCUS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19388
$1,299.28

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
415

VICTORIA CANO
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19389
$1,116.00
416

ZOILA ELIZABETH MAZARIEGOS
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19390
$2,113.40
417

CARPI & CLAY INC

FEDERAL ADVOCATE SERVICES
V19391
$3,000.00
418

CENTRAL BASIN MUNICIPAL WATER DIST

IMPORTED WATER
V19392
$140,139.60
419

CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATES INC
RE-ISSUE CHECK #198109
V19393
$30,513.00
420

ERVY RODRIGUEZ

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
V19394
$480.00
421

KIDZ TALENT ACADEMY LLC

DANCE INSTRUCTOR
V19395
$4,679.40
422

MARIA DOLORES CARRASCO

HOMEMAKING/SENIOR GRANT
V19396
$288.00
423

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
PERS CONTRIBUTION/PPE 10-26-24
V19397
$174,077.77
424

CALIFORNIA STATE DISBURSTMENT UNIT
CHILD SUPPORT/PPE 10-26-24
V19398
$1,693.58
425

DELTA DENTAL OF CALIFORNIA

FULL TIME COBRA ADJUSTMENT/OCTOBER
V19399
$20,812.84
426

DELTACARE USA
FULL TIME DENTAL INSURANCE/OCTOBER 24
V19400
$1,277.42
427

EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPT
LEVY PROCEEDS/11-01-24
V19401
$354.00
428

EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPT
STATE TAX/PPE 10-26-24
V19402
$37,486.47
429

KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN

HOURLY INSURANCE CREDITS/SEPTEMBER
V19403
$17,593.62
430

EMPOWER/MASS MUTUAL
DEFERRED COMPENSATION/PPE 10-26-24
V19404
$28,424.89
431

SOUTHERN CALIF EDISON COMPANY

UTILITIES/CITYWIDE
V19405
$180,091.79
432

TEXAS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
LIFE INSURANCE ADJUSTMENT/AUGUST 24
V19406
$52,679.16
433

UNITED STATES TREASURY-IRS
PAYROLL TAX/PPE 10-26-24
V19407
$136,273.60
434

VISION SERVICE PLAN (CA)
MANAGEMENT ADJUSTMENT/OCTOBER 24
V19408
$3,921.68
435

FIRST TRANSIT INC

DIAL-A-RIDE/ADVANCED RESERVATION
V19409
$188,655.62
436

I COPY INC

NVIDIA GRID VIRTUAL APPLICATIONS
V19410
$19,430.40
437

MARIA DOLORES CARRASCO

HOMEMAKING/SENIOR GRANT
V19411
$288.00
438

MARIO ENRIQUE MERA
MANAGEMENT SUPPORT PPE 11-23-24
V19412
$9,600.00
439

MRI INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS LLC

HOUSING PROGRAM SOFTWARE
V19413
$1,496.80
440

ASSET PERFORMANCE GROUP LLC

PARKING CITATION PROCESS FEES
V19414
$19,058.10
441

ELIOR INC

CONGREGATE MEALS
V19415
$57,650.70
442

ALMA J MADRIGAL

CHILD CARE
V19416
$3,814.91
443

ADRIANA JIMENEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19417
$22,955.84
444

ALYSHA NICOLE ARCEO
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19418
$2,721.58
445

ALYSSA DARLENE LOMELI
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19419
$1,414.40
446

AMERICA A GOMEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19420
$2,881.33
447

ANDREA RENEE MORALES
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19421
$908.77
448

ANDREW RAMOS
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19422
$1,386.11
449

ANTHONY LENNIE DOSS
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19423
$707.20
450

ARACELI MAGALLON
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19424
$1,363.26
451

BENILDA SANTOS
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19425
$12,072.27
452

BLANCA E GARZA
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19426
$2,158.99

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
453

BRIANNA MARIE GARSIA

CHILD CARE
V19427
$677.97
454

MARIA L CORTEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19428
$2,370.74
455

CALDERON FAMILY DAY CARE INC
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19429
$5,561.31
456

CARLA PATRICIA HERNANDEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19430
$3,231.94
457

CARLOS TELLEZ RAMIREZ JR
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19431
$1,363.26
458

CARMEN MONTES
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19432
$1,132.68
459

ANA CASTELLON
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19433
$3,241.38
460

CELINA MONIQUE PRIEST
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19434
$732.78
461

CHANDRIKA UDAYAN GAMARALALAGE

CHILD CARE
V19435
$1,299.29
462

CHANEL JAYDEN REYES

CHILD CARE
V19436
$972.88
463

CINDIRAE MICHELE RAMOS

CHILD CARE
V19437
$908.77
464

JOYFUL LITTLE LEARNERS FAMILY
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19438
$3,729.96
465

CAROLINE CORRAL
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19439
$2,127.60
466

CRISTINA JULIETA HURTADO

CHILD CARE
V19440
$2,120.79
467

IRENE DE LA VEGA
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19441
$3,059.19
468

DELMY OFELIA SERMENO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19442
$707.20
469

DESIREE CARCANO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19443
$3,866.48
470

BEUSALICIA DIAZ CASTILLO

CHILD CARE
V19444
$6,078.89
471

ELIZABETH CARPINTEYRO

CHILD CARE
V19445
$3,254.52
472

ELIZABETH FLORES
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19446
$3,323.30
473

ERIC CABRERA
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19447
$707.20
474

ERIKA BARAJAS DIAZ

CHILD CARE
V19448
$4,269.96
475

ERNESTINA MARCIAL

CHILD CARE
V19449
$1,270.78
476

ESMERALDA VASQUEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19450
$680.53
477

LUZ A FELIX MEDINA
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19451
$6,998.56
478

MARIA EUGENIA FLORES
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19452
$8,206.32
479

CAROL GALVEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19453
$6,258.59
480

STAPHANY GOMEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19454
$2,113.64
481

GENESIS MERCADO

CHILD CARE
V19455
$908.77
482

OLIVIA GONZALEZ

CHILD CARE
V19456
$7,936.07
483

GUILLERMINA MARTINEZ

CHILD CARE
V19457
$874.44
484

ERICKA MARIA TORRES
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19458
$7,319.58
485

SHANNA SUE HUNTER
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19459
$13,599.85
486

IMELDA HERRERA DE ESTEVEZ

CHILD CARE
V19460
$2,477.64
487

JAIME PALAFOX
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19461
$6,056.52
488

MISS JAMIES DAYCARE
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19462
$4,392.02
489

JAYLEEN DESTINEE SOSA
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19463
$694.42
490

JEANNETTE PATRICIA FLORES
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19464
$1,388.84

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
491

JESSICA YADIRA GRACIAN ORTIZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19465
$12,178.81
492

JOE L MARQUEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19466
$1,228.87
493

JOSEPHINE GLORIA CAUDILLO

CHILD CARE
V19467
$908.77
494

SHELCO ENTERPRISE LLC
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19468
$53,133.08
495

JUAN LOMELI
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19469
$1,329.16
496

JULIE CABRERA
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19470
$1,187.78
497

KARLA YAMILETH ALFARO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19471
$3,830.40
498

KASSANDRA RAELYNN SERRANO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19472
$1,526.40
499

KRISTIN MICHELLE MUNOZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19473
$2,166.00
500

LAURA AGUILAR
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19474
$3,150.96
501

LAURE A CARDIEL

CHILD CARE
V19475
$1,270.93
502

GUTIERREZ FAMILY CHILD CARE
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19476
$6,073.77
503

ADNIL EDUCATIONAL & CONSULTING SVC
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19477
$5,739.00
504

LISA DAWN GREGORY
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19478
$1,414.40
505

LOPEZ FAMILY HOME CHILD CARE INC
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19479
$9,495.83
506

MA DE LOS ANGELES REYES DE

RODRIGUE
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19480
$1,371.78
507

MA SILVIA ELIZARRARAZ DIAZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19481
$3,609.86
508

MAGGIE RAMIREZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19482
$4,553.20
509

MARIA ERIKA MADRIGAL CEJA
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19483
$1,317.83
510

MARIA ESTHER LOMELI
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19484
$908.77
511

MARIA G CUYUCH
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19485
$1,085.96
512

MARIA LOURDES GONZALEZ RUANO
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19486
$1,198.87
513

MARIO JOSEPH LOPEZ JR
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19487
$3,231.94
514

MARISELA SOTO

CHILD CARE
V19488
$2,064.57
515

MARISOL ORTEGA HERNANDEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19489
$1,584.98
516

MARJANI WILLIAMS

CHILD CARE
V19490
$772.20
517

MARY AGUILAR
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19491
$730.55
518

MELARIE GENIS
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19492
$1,172.10
519

PILAR MENDEZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19493
$5,608.65
520

MIRNA LAURA AMBRIZ

CHILD CARE
V19494
$577.90
521

MIROSLAVA ELIZARRARAZ DIAZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19495
$3,554.93
522

MARIA ELENA MONTERROSO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19496
$12,865.38
523

MYESHIA RAUSHI LEVERETT
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19497
$1,613.09
524

NATALLY KRISTINE AGUILAR
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19498
$395.12
525

NICHOLE MARSHA DOUGLAS
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19499
$1,056.59
526

NICOLE CONTRERAS CARRASCO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19500
$1,963.96
527

NORMA ANGELICA CASTELLANOS LOZANO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19501
$1,778.47

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
Item
Count
Vendor Name
Description
Check
Number
Check Total
528

PALOMARES FAMILY DAYCARE
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19502
$3,285.49
529

PATRICIA ALVARADO
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19503
$1,135.84
530

ELIA PEREZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19504
$8,664.87
531

LAVISH HARRIS
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19505
$3,796.11
532

MER ED LLC
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19506
$9,557.40
533

RICARDO RAFAEL RAMIREZ

CHILD CARE
V19507
$577.90
534

RONALD QUIROS

CHILD CARE
V19508
$1,363.26
535

ROSA TORRES
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19509
$2,951.93
536

ROSEMARY FLORES
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19510
$1,414.40
537

CYNTHIA C RUIZ
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19511
$10,861.86
538

SANDRA I MENDEZ

CHILD CARE
V19512
$976.00
539

SANDRA VILLA
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19513
$707.20
540

SENAIDA BARRAGAN
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19514
$681.63
541

SHARIE MARIE BEITZ

CHILD CARE
V19515
$908.77
542

SHELLY ORDIWAY
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19516
$755.58
543

MARIANA ANITA SINOHUI
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19517
$4,137.73
544

SOCORRO MARQUARDT
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19518
$1,651.09
545

STELLA RITA FRANCO
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19519
$1,160.86
546

MARIA E FERNANDEZ SILVA
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19520
$11,460.58
547

TAYLOR GENEVA SALHUS
CHILD CARE STAGE 3
V19521
$1,122.68
548

THE LORDS CHILDREN MISSION
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19522
$9,910.01
549

TOYLAND FAMILY DAY CARE INC
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19523
$8,390.52
550

VANESSA MOLLY DYCUS

CHILD CARE
V19524
$1,299.29
551

VERONICA QUIRINO MORENO

CHILD CARE
V19525
$1,613.09
552

VICTORIA CANO

CHILD CARE
V19526
$1,116.00
553

VILMA LABOY
CHILD CARE STAGE 2
V19527
$2,534.12
554

ALVAREZ-GLASMAN & COLVIN
LEGAL SERVICES/AUGUST 2024
V19528
$24,682.51
555

DE LAGE LANDEN FINANCIAL SERVICES

DUPLICATE COPIER LEASE/NOVEMBER
V19529
$1,101.12
556

I COPY INC

COPY CHARGES/EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
V19530
$13,750.64
557

JOHNSON CONTROLS US HOLDINGS INC

CITY HALL - PANIC BUTTON
V19531
$834.10
558

MRI INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS LLC

HOUSING PRO/SOFTWARE
V19532
$100.00
559

SCOTT L DELL

DRUM CIRCLE CLASS
V19533
$400.00
560

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY

BIO GAS FUEL SERVICES/OCTOBER
V19534
$16,393.41
561

JALEN EMON WALKER
CHILD CARE STAGE 1
V19535
$577.90

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
*****Total Warrants**** $4,214,859.35
Notes:

Voided Check(s):

I hereby certify that the claim of demand covered by the above listed warrants have been audited as to accuracy and the funds are available for payment.

Jana Stuard, Finance Director

CITY OF NORWALK

FINAL WARRANT REGISTER
November 12, 2024 through November 25, 2024
198642, 198674
Digitally signed by Jana Stuard
Date: 2024.11.27 11:20:20 -08'00'
City Council Agenda Report
December 3, 2024
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Alex Hamilton, Interim Director of Community Development SUBJECT: PLANNING COMMISSION SYNOPSIS - NOVEMBER 25, 2024 Background:

At its meeting of November 25, 2024, the Planning Commission reviewed the following application and took action as outlined below and in the attached Synopsis.

Planning Commission Action Final
N/A
Planning Commission Action Not Final
Finding the City of Norwalk acquisition of 13200 Bloomfield Avenue (APN No. 8045-008-902) to be in conformity with the General Plan.

Fiscal Impact:

N/A
Citizens Advised:

N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:

N/A

City Council December 3, 2024
Planning Commission Synopsis – November 25, 2024 Page No. 2 1 0
9 1
Recommended Action:

No action required.

Attachments:

1. Planning Commission Synopsis

SYNOPSIS

PLANNING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 25, 2024

SPECIAL MEETING
6:00 P.M.

NORWALK CITY HALL/COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Linda Lopez, Chair
Kim Apodaca, Vice Chair
Rosa Barragan, Planning Commissioner
Evelyn Nuno, Planning Commissioner
Lisa Vernola-Salas, Planning Commissioner
Public Comment: The public is encouraged to address the Planning Commission on any matter listed on the agenda or on any other matter within its jurisdiction subject to the rules and proceedings described in Section 2.16.060 of the Norwalk Municipal Code. If you wish to address the Planning Commission, please complete the card that is provided at the rear entrance to Council Chambers and hand the card to the Secretary. The Planning Commission will hear public comment on items listed on the agenda during discussion of the matter and prior to a vote. The Planning Commission will hear public comment on matters not listed on the agenda during the Oral Communications period.

Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The Planning Commission may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Planning Commission meeting.

Please adhere to the following procedures when addressing the Planning Commission:
 Comments should be limited to 3 minutes or less.
 Comments should be directed to the Planning Commission as a whole and not directed to individual Planning Commission members.

Americans with Disabilities Act: In compliance with the ADA, if you need special assistance to participate in a City meeting or other services offered by this City, please contact the Community Development Department, (562) 929-5744. Assisted listening devices are available at this meeting. Ask the Secretary if you desire to use this device. Upon request, the agenda and documents in the agenda packet can be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service.

Note: Any writings and/or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda after it has been posted will also be made available for public inspection.

Writings and/or documents are available for inspection in the Community Development Department, City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every other Friday; telephone (562) 929-5744. You may also contact the City Clerk via e-mail at [email protected] Planning Commission Synopsis, November 25, 2024 Page 2 of 2 CALL TO ORDER6:00 P.M.

FLAG SALUTEVice Chair Apodaca
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERSCommissioner Nuno, Commissioner Vernola-Salas and Vice Chair Apodaca. Commissioner Barragan and Chair Lopez were absent.

1. MEETING MINUTES – Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the Special Planning Commission Meeting of October 23, 2024.

Planning Commission Action: Approved.

REPORTS

2. FINDING THE CITY OF NORWALK ACQUISITION OF 13200 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE (APN NO. 8045-008-902) TO BE IN CONFORMITY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 24-12 finding that the City of Norwalk’s acquisition of 13200 Bloomfield Avenue (APN No. 8045-008-902) in the City of Norwalk to be in conformity with the General Plan; and
(2) Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to AB 518.

Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendations and amended resolution by a vote of 3-0.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Acting Director Hamilton thanked the Planning Commission for attending this important meeting on a very short notice, and he introduced Assistant Planner, Kristy Wong.

Vice Chair Apodaca wished everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.

ADJOURNMENT 6:24 P.M.

City Council Agenda Report
December 3, 2024
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Theresa Devoy, City Clerk
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 24-1754 - ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2022-02 (2024-02) ESTABLISHING SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE "NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN"
Background:

The City Council, at its October 15, and November 6, 2024 meetings, introduced Ordinance No. 24-1754, which will create Specific Plan Area No, 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan.” This ordinance is now being presented for adoption. If adopted this evening, Ordinance No. 24-1754 will become effective on December 7, 2024.

Fiscal Impact:

N/A
Citizens Advised:

N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:

N/A
Recommended Action:

Staff recommends City Council adopt Ordinance No. 24-1754, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2022-02 (2024-04) ESTABLISHING SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE “NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN”.

City Council December 3, 2024
Ordinance No. 24-1754 – Adopting Zone Text Amendment No. 2022- 02 (2024-04) Creating Specific Plan Area No. 17, the Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan
Page No. 2
1 0
5 7
Attachments:

Ordinance No. 24-1754
ORDINANCE NO. 24-1754

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING ZONING
TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2022-02 (2024-04) ESTABLISHING SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE “NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN”

WHEREAS, the City has received Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04), a request from The City (Applicant) to establish Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” at 13200 Bloomfield Avenue (Subject Parcel); also known as Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 8045-008-902; and

WHEREAS, General Plan Amendment No. 2022-01 (2024-01), Zone Change No. 2022-01 (2024-02), and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) SCH No. 2022070103 were received in conjunction with this request; and

WHEREAS, once the City adopts its general plan, it may prepare specific plans for the systematic implementation of the general plan for all or a part of the area covered by the general plan pursuant to Government Code Section 65450; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 65454, a specific plan must be consistent with the City’s general plan; and

WHEREAS, Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” would allow for the redevelopment of the former California Youth Authority site as vibrant and interactive mixed-uses and open spaces; and

WHEREAS, Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04) establishing Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” is consistent with the goals and policies in the City’s General Plan; and

WHEREAS, Section 17.02.260.C of the Norwalk Municipal Code (“NMC”) requires the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing upon the initiation of a Zoning Text Amendment; and

WHEREAS, Section 17.02.105 of the NMC requires a recommendation of approval by the Planning Commission to City Council on Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04); and

WHEREAS, on July 10, 2024, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing and voted to recommend that the City Council approve Zoning Text Amendment 2022-02 (2024-04); and

WHEREAS, the project requires an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to be certified and a Statement of Overriding Considerations and Findings of Fact be adopted

Ordinance No. 24-1754 Page 2 of 63
for significant and unavoidable impacts pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and

WHEREAS, the EIR for the proposed Project, including Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04), was certified by the City of Norwalk City Council on November 19, 2024 through City Council Resolution No. 24-58; and

WHEREAS, on October 15 , November 6, and November 19, 2024, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on this ordinance and considered all oral and documentary evidence presented thereto.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated as substantive findings in this Ordinance.

Section 2. The City Council certified the EIR on November 19, 2024 through City Council Resolution No. 24-58.

Section 3. The proposed Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 ( 2024-04) establishing Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan” is in compliance with the NMC and the Norwalk General Plan, in conjunction with the recommended General Plan Land Use designation of Specific Plan Area No. 17 . It is consistent with the goals and objectives of the General Plan as it will provide housing opportunities, including affordable housing, allow for the development of a variety of uses including, residential, commercial, hospitality, and open space, and promote transit ridership and multimodal opportunities.

Section 4. Specific Plan. Once the City adopts its general plan, it may prepare specific plans for the systematic implementation of the general plan for all or a part of the area covered by the general plan. (Government Code Section 65450). In order for a specific plan to be adopted, it must be consistent with the City ’s general plan. (Government Code Section 65454). As such, the City Council hereby adopts Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04) establishing Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” based on the following findings of fact:

A. Specific Plan Area No. 17 , the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” is consistent with the City ’s General Plan goals, objectives, and objectives set forth in Section 1.5 of Specific Plan Area No. 17.

B. Specific Plan Area No. 17 , the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” is compatible with present and future development of the property within the immediate vicinity because the project is surrounded by a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional uses.

Ordinance No. 24-1754 Page 3 of 63
C. Specific Plan Area No. 17 , the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare or adversely affect property values or the present and future development of surrounding areas.

Development of the subject site will be compatible with surrounding residential and commercial uses.

D. The permitted uses and development standards adopted as part of the Specific Plan would not be detrimental to present and potential surrounding uses but would have a beneficial effect which could not have been achieved under pre- existing zoning.

E. The streets and thoroughfares are adequate in size to accommodate the traffic volume generated by Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” which is served by major roadways, including Interstate 605, and Interstate

5. Local access to the Project is provided by Imperial Highway, and Bloomfield Avenue, which are adjacent to the Project.

F. The existing or proposed utility services and facilities are adequate for the proposed population densities and residential uses under Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” because the on-site improvements include public and private facilities and utilities. In addition, “will-serve” letters have been received from the utility companies.

G. Based on proposed development standards contained in Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” buildings and structures are to be situated in a manner that minimizes impact on existing uses.

H. Specific Plan Area No. 17 , the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” is in compliance with the NMC and the Norwalk General Plan, in conjunction with the recommended General Plan Land Use designation of Specific Plan. It is consistent with the goals and objectives of the General Plan as it will allow for the development of a variety of uses, including residential , commercial, hospitality, and open space, and promote transit ridership and multimodal opportunities.

Section 5. The City Council of the City of Norwalk, State of California hereby adopts Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04) as indicated in Exhibit “A”.

Section 6. Severability. If any section, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases may be declared unconstitutional.

Section 7. Certification. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and shall cause this Ordinance to be published or posted as required by law.

Ordinance No. 24-1754 Page 4 of 63

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of December 2024.

___________________________

MARGARITA L. RIOS
MAYOR

ATTEST:

__________________________________

THERESA DEVOY, CMC

CITY CLERK

Norwalk Transit Village
Specifi c Plan
City of Norwalk, California
July, 2024
Exhibit A
i
Table of Contents
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 OVERVIEW ..............................................................................................................1

1.2 L OCATION AND SURROUNDING USES ...................................................................................1

1.3 E XISTING CONDITIONS ....................................................................................................1

1.4 P ROJECT BACKGROUND AND HISTORY .................................................................................2

1.5 S PECIFIC PLAN OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................4

1.6 P URPOSE AND AUTHORITY OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN .................................................................4

1.7 R ELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAND USE REGULATIONS ...............................................................4

1.8 E NVIRONMENTAL REVIEW ................................................................................................5

1.9 T HE PLANNING PROCESS .................................................................................................6

1.10 S PECIFIC PLAN ORGANIZATION .....................................................................................6

1.11 E CO DISTRICT VISION ..................................................................................................6

2. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 9

2.1 G ENERAL PROVISIONS ....................................................................................................9

2.2 L AND USE PLAN .........................................................................................................11

2.3 L AND USE DESIGNATIONS .............................................................................................12

2.4 P LANNING AREAS .........................................................................................................12

2.5 P ERMITTED USES ........................................................................................................13

2.6 D EVELOPMENT STANDARDS ............................................................................................16

2.7 P ARKING AND LOADING .................................................................................................30

2.8 U SEABLE OPEN SPACE..................................................................................................32

2.9 L ANDSCAPE STANDARDS ................................................................................................32

2.10 S IGNAGE .................................................................................................................32

2.11 L IGHTING ................................................................................................................33

2.12 F IRE STANDARDS ......................................................................................................33

2.13 T RASH AND RECYCLING ...............................................................................................34

2.14 O FF-ROAD CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT STANDARDS ............................................................34

2.15 D ESIGN GUIDELINES ...................................................................................................34

2.16 D EFINITIONS ............................................................................................................35

3. C IRCULATION AND MOBILITY 37

3.1 R EGIONAL ACCESS .......................................................................................................37

3.2 S TREET SECTIONS .......................................................................................................38

3.3 P EDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CIRCULATION ............................................................................44

3.4 ACCESS TO TRANSIT .....................................................................................................45 City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Planii Table of Contents

4. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES 47

4.1 I NFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES .......................................................................................47

4.2 G RADING ..................................................................................................................49

4.3 P UBLIC SERVICES .......................................................................................................49

5. ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION 51

5.1 A DMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND REVIEW .......................................................................51

5.2 T YPE OF REVIEW PROCEDURES ......................................................................................51 iii
Table of Contents
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan TABLES

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 9
TABLE 2.1 LAND USE SUMMARY .................................................................................... 10 TABLE 2.2 PERMITTED USES ........................................................................................ 14 TABLE 2.3 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ................................................................ 16 TABLE 2.4 FRONTAGE TYPE STANDARDS ........................................................................... 21 TABLE 2.5 MIXED USE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT FRONTAGE STANDARDS (MU-C) ......................... 25 TABLE 2.6 MIXED USE-HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT FRONTAGE STANDARDS (MU-H) ......26 TABLE 2.7 OPEN SPACE TYPE STANDARDS ........................................................................ 28 TABLE 2.8 VEHICULAR PARKING REQUIREMENTS ................................................................. 30 TABLE 2.9 BICYCLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS .................................................................... 30 TABLE 2.10 USABLE OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS .............................................................. 32

3. C IRCULATION AND MOBILITY 3 7

4. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES 47
TABLE 5.1 STUDENT GENERATION .................................................................................. 50

5. ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION 51
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Planiv Table of Contents

FIGURES

1. INTRODUCTION 1
FIGURE 1-1 R EGIONAL LOCATION .................................................................................... 3 FIGURE 1-2 V ICINITY MAP ............................................................................................. 3

2. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 9
FIGURE 2-1 L AND USE PLAN ....................................................................................... 11 FIGURE 2-2 B UILDING HEIGHT ..................................................................................... 17 FIGURE 2-3 H EIGHT TRANSITION FOR PAS 3, 4 AND 5 ....................................................... 17 FIGURE 2-4 H EIGHT: 8-FOOT STEPBACK ABOVE 4 STORIES ................................................... 17 FIGURE 2-5 S ITE PERMEABILITY .................................................................................... 18 FIGURE 2-6 B UILDING SETBACKS .................................................................................. 18 FIGURE 2-7 F RONTAGE OCCUPANCY ............................................................................... 19 FIGURE 2-8 M ASSING BREAKS ...................................................................................... 19 FIGURE 2-9 F ACADE LENGTH BEFORE ARTICULATION ........................................................... 20 FIGURE 2-10 M ASSING BREAK AT ENTRY ......................................................................... 20 FIGURE 2-11 F RONTAGE TYPES .................................................................................... 22 FIGURE 2-12 F RONTAGE TYPES .................................................................................... 23 FIGURE 2-13 P ARKING FRONTAGE ................................................................................. 24 FIGURE 2-14 R ETAIL FRONTAGE ................................................................................... 25 FIGURE 2-15 T OWNHOME FRONTAGE ............................................................................. 26 FIGURE 2-16 I NTERNAL BUILDING CIRCULATION ................................................................ 27 FIGURE 2-17 S EMI-ENCLOSED COURTYARD ..................................................................... 28 FIGURE 2-18 C ORNER COURTYARD ................................................................................ 28 FIGURE 2-19 U TILITY PLACEMENT AND SCREENING ............................................................ 29 FIGURE 2-20 S EMI-ENCLOSED COURTYARD FENCE .............................................................. 29

3. C IRCULATION AND MOBILITY 3 7
FIGURE 3-1 V EHICULAR CIRCULATION ............................................................................. 38 FIGURE 3-2 N ORTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 108-FOOT RIGHT OF WAY ............................... 39 FIGURE 3-3 N ORTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 74-FOOT RIGHT OF WAY - NORTHERN ................ 40 FIGURE 3-4 S OUTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 74-FOOT RIGHT OF WAY - SOUTHERN ................. 41 FIGURE 3-5 N ORTH-SOUTH STREETS - 50-FOOT RIGHT OF WAY - ........................................ 42 FIGURE 3-6 E ASTERLY PROMENADE/FIRE LANE FRONTAGE TO ZIMMERMAN PARK ...................... 43 FIGURE 3-7 P EDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CIRCULATION .......................................................... 44 FIGURE 3-8 T RANSIT ACCESS ....................................................................................... 45

4. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES 47

5. ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION 51
1 Introduction
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1  OVERVIEW
The City of Norwalk has the unique opportunity to rehabilitate a blighted state property located on Bloomfi eld Avenue, by transforming it with new homes, community-enhancing ac Ɵ vaƟ on and recrea Ɵ onal areas for the enƟ re city to enjoy—a Transit Village for Norwalk. The Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan (NTVSP) will guide the development of a mixed-use transit-oriented development (TOD) with a mix of commercial, mulƟ -family residenƟ al and park land uses. The proposed NTVSP Transit-oriented development is a compact, walkable, high-density mixed-use residen Ɵ al and commercial area located within one-quarter mile of the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink StaƟ on transit staƟ on. The NTVSP proposes features to encourage transit use throughout the day such as a mix of community serving land uses, high-quality pedestrian and bicycle access, narrow streets, and reduced parking requirements. The NTVSP includes land use types such as residen Ɵ al, restaurant, hotel, retail and ground- fl oor ac Ɵ ve commercial/quasi-public spaces and will prioriƟ ze transit access.

1.2  LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES
The proposed Mixed-Use Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) (project) site is located at 13200 Bloomfi eld Avenue, in the City of Norwalk. The City of Norwalk (City) is within the southeastern porƟ on of Los Angeles County; refer to Figure 1.1, Regional Loca Ɵ on. Surrounding ci Ɵ es include the City of Santa Fe Springs to the north, the City of La Mirada to the east, the City of Cerritos to the south, and the City of Downey to the west.

Locally, the site is situated within a predominantly residen Ɵ al area, with a townhome community to the north, a neighborhood park (Zimmerman Park) to the east, single-family residen Ɵ al units, a senior residen Ɵ al community and a hospital (Norwalk Community Hospital) to the south, and single-family residenƟ al units to the west, across Bloom fi eld Avenue; refer to Figure 1.2, Vicinity Map. The Speci fi c Plan area includes a single property project site (Assessor’s Parcel Number [APN] 8045-008-902) that is currently owned by the California Department of General Services.

Regional access to the site is provided via the Interstate 5 Freeway (I-5).

Local access is provided via Imperial Highway, which is north of the Specifi c Plan Area, and Bloomfi eld Avenue, which bounds the Specifi c Plan area to the west. Transit access is available for the NTVSP area via the Norwalk/ Santa Fe Springs Metrolink StaƟ on, located approximately 0.25 miles north of the Specifi c Plan area. Also, the Union Paci fi c Railroad is located to the east of the Specifi c Plan area, east of Zimmerman Park.

1.3  EXISTING CONDITIONS
The exis Ɵ ng site is currently developed with approximately 35 to 40 structures and is currently being u Ɵ lized by the California Department of State Hospitals as a temporary hospital facility. The 32.3-acre property was City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan2 Introduction
originally uƟ lized as a facility for the California Division of Juvenile Jus Ɵ ce (formerly known as the California
Youth Authority). While the majority of the on-site
structures are uƟ lized for insƟ tuƟ onal purposes, there are also three single-family residenƟ al structures on- site. The exisƟ ng site includes mulƟ ple unpaved vacant areas, two open space fi elds, and a track and fi eld
area. The site is accessed via two on-site driveways at Bloomfi eld Avenue. One driveway (southerly) serves
as the main entrance to the facility and leads to a
vehicular roundabout and two surface parking areas.

The second driveway serves as secondary access for
emergency vehicles. On-site ornamental landscaping
includes ornamental trees and shrubs that occur in
patches throughout the site and along the western
perimeter sidewalk.

1.4  PROJECT BACKGROUND

AND HISTORY
The Speci fi c Plan area was originally developed
in 1943 as an all-male youth correc Ɵ onal facility
operated by the California Youth Authority (CYA).

The CYA (now known as the California Division of
Juvenile Jus Ɵ ce [DJJ]) is a division of the California Department of Correc Ɵ ons and Rehabilita Ɵ on that
provides educaƟ on and trauma informed treatment
to California’s youthful off enders up to the age of 25
who have the most serious criminal backgrounds and
most criƟ cal treatment needs. As such, the Norwalk
CYA facility provided academic and voca Ɵ onal
educaƟ on, medical care, and treatment programs, as
well as substance abuse and mental health needs to
inmates. In 2011, the CYA facility opera Ɵ ons ceased
and the property remained vacant un Ɵ l 2019, at
which Ɵ me the facility was temporarily uƟ lized by the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) during to the
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The exis Ɵ ng facili Ɵ es were used by the DSH as a
temporary satellite mental hospital facility to miƟ gate the e ff ects of “surge space” at local state hospitals
unƟ l early 2022. The facility housed primarily COVID-
negaƟ ve mental forensic inmates, however all inmates
have been moved out of the facility. The DSH has an
agreement with the Department of General Services
(DGS), who currently owns the property, to use the
facility on an as-needed basis.

ExisƟ ng law authorizes the Director of the State
General Services Department to sell or lease certain
property, known as the Southern Youth Correc Ɵ onal
RecepƟ on Center and Clinic, to the County of Los
Angeles by January 1, 2015, at market value upon
terms and condi Ɵ ons and subject to reserva Ɵ ons
and excep Ɵ ons the director determines are in the
best interests of the state, and, aŌ er January 1, 2015, authorizes the director to sell the property to any
other party at market value through a compe Ɵ Ɵ ve
bid process.

AB 518, which was enacted in 2020 and e ff ecƟ ve
January 1, 2021, amended Government Code SecƟ on
11011.28 and authorizes the Director, unƟ l January 1,
2025, to sell the property to the City of Norwalk at fair market value upon terms and condiƟ
ons the director
determines are in the best interests of the state. The
bill authorizes the director, notwithstanding those
provisions, to sell the property below fair market
value for purposes of providing housing to persons
and families of low or moderate income. The bill,
aŌ er January 1, 2025, authorizes the director to
dispose of the property in accordance with speci fi ed
procedures and priori Ɵ es otherwise applicable to
the disposal of surplus property by the department.

3 Introduction
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan Figure 1-1 Regional LocaƟ on
§¨¦
10 §¨¦
605
§¨¦
710
§¨¦
405
§¨¦
105
§¨¦
110
§¨¦
5 £¤60
£¤
72 £¤
72 £¤
90 £¤
91 £¤
91 £¤
39 £¤
107
£¤
164
£¤
19 £¤
19 Long
Beach
Vernon
Downey
Monterey
Park
Pico
Rivera
Whittier
Los Angeles
Lynwood
Inglewood
Carson
Bell
Compton
Norwalk
Montebello
Torrance
Cerritos
Lakewood
South Gate
La Mirada
¯
0 52.5 Miles
Source: County of Los Angeles Enterprise GIS
Civic Center
Single-Family HomesHospital/
Commercial
Zimmerman Park
Townhomes
Norwalk / Santa Fe Springs
Transit Station
Project Site
¯
05 0 0 1 , 0 0 0250 Feet
Source: County of Los Angeles Enterprise GIS
Single-Family Homes
Figure 1-2 Vicinity Map
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan4 Introduction
The bill exempts the sale of the property from the
California Environmental Quality Act. ImplementaƟ on
of the NTVSP includes the development of at least
40 percent of the total residen Ɵ al units provided as
aff ordable units and would comply with the State’s
Surplus Land Act requirements.

1.5  SPECIFIC PLAN OBJECTIVES
The Norwalk Transit Village is a mixed-use project
intended to achieve the following objecƟ ves:
• Provide up to 770 new market rate and a ff ordable
housing opportuniƟ es that will assist the City of
Norwalk in mee Ɵ ng its Regional Housing Needs
Assessment (RHNA) obligaƟ on.
• Require at least 40% of the residen Ɵ al units as
aff ordable.
• Provide a mix of residen Ɵ al, commercial,
hospitality and open space uses to serve the
community.
• Create a Transit-Oriented community with
pedestrian and bicycle connecƟ ons to the nearby
Metrolink StaƟ on.
• Establish a community with mul Ɵ -modal
transportaƟ on, walking trails, community
connecƟ vity, sustainable landscaping and health
and wellness-focused ameniƟ es.

1.6  PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY

OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN
A Speci fi c Plan is a regulatory tool that local
governments use to guide development in a focused
area or site within the community. While the General
Plan is the primary guide for growth and development
citywide, a Speci fi c Plan can focus on the unique
characterisƟ cs of a special area by customizing the
planning process and land use regula Ɵ ons to that
area.

California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1,
Chapter 3, Ar Ɵ cle 8, Sec Ɵ ons 65450 through 65457,
allows ci Ɵ es and coun Ɵ es to prepare Speci fi c Plans to develop policies, programs, regula Ɵ ons, and
guidelines to implement the jurisdic Ɵ on’s adopted
General Plan.

As prescribed by law, a Specifi c Plan includes text and diagrams that generally describe the following:
• The distribu Ɵ on, loca Ɵ on, and extent of all land
uses.
• The standards and criteria by which new
development will proceed.
• The proposed distribu Ɵ on, loca Ɵ on, extent,
and intensity of major components of public
infrastructure, such as transporta Ɵ on and u Ɵ lity
systems.
• A program of implementa Ɵ on measures, such
as fi nancing measures, policies, regula Ɵ ons, and
public works projects.

The Norwalk Transit Village Speci fi c Plan (“NTVSP”)
will be adopted by ordinance and establish the
necessary plans, development standards, regulaƟ ons,
infrastructure requirements, and implementa Ɵ on
programs on which subsequent project-related
development acƟ viƟ es within the Plan area are to be
founded.

The NTVSP provides applicants, City sta ff , the public, and City decision makers with informa Ɵ on on the
project and how the Plan area is consistent with the
City of Norwalk General Municipal Code. The NTVSP
is a regulatory document prepared pursuant to the
provisions of California Government Code sec Ɵ ons
65450 through 65457. It is intended that local public
works projects, design review plans, site plans,
permits, or any other ac Ɵ on requiring ministerial
or discre Ɵ onary approval applicable to this area be
consistent with this Specifi c Plan.

1.7  RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER

LAND USE REGULATIONS
The property is subject to several regulatory and
policy documents, including the Norwalk General
Plan, Zoning Code, and Climate AcƟ on Plan (CAP). The
approval of the Norwalk Transit Village Speci fi c Plan
would require amendment of the City’s General Plan
and zoning designaƟ ons to allow the development of
the proposed mixed-use development.

1.7.1 General Plan
The City of Norwalk General Plan establishes the

5 Introduction
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan overall vision for growth and development in the
community. The General Plan Land Use Element
establishes clear and logical paƩ erns of land use and
standards for new development. A key feature of
the Land Use Element is the Land Use Policy Map,
which shows the loca Ɵ on, density, and intensity of
development for all land uses citywide. The Land Use
Map and the General Plan goals and policies guide
future growth and development in Norwalk.

State law requires that any Specifi c Plan be consistent with the City’s General Plan. The Norwalk General
Plan Land Use Element is amended concurrent with
adopƟ on of the NTVSP to ensure consistency between
the two documents. The General Plan amendment
will change the land use designa Ɵ on of the Speci fi c
Plan area on the General Plan Land Use Map from
“InsƟ tuƟ onal” to “Specifi c Plan.”
The Site is designed as an Opportunity Site within the
General Plan for its poten Ɵ al to be redeveloped as a
new mixed-use community. The proposed “Speci fi c
Plan” General Plan land use designa Ɵ on would allow
for both commercial and higher-density residen Ɵ al
development. The land use designa Ɵ on is intended
to provide for mul Ɵ ple dwelling units, including
aff ordable housing, and a range of commercial uses,
including retail, o ffi ces, and private community
gathering facili Ɵ es within the Speci fi c Plan area.

ResidenƟ al densi Ɵ es between 20 to 85 du/ac are
allowed within the Specifi c Plan area, with an overall
maximum of 770 residenƟ al dwelling units. This land
use category will be implemented with a General Plan
Amendment for the Specifi c Plan zone.

1.7.2 Zoning
A corresponding amendment to the City’s Zoning
Map will be processed to change the Site’s zoning
from InsƟ tuƟ onal to “Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan.”
Title 17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code is the Zoning
Ordinance, which is the regulatory tool to implement
the land use goals, policies, and ac Ɵ ons established
by the General Plan. The Zoning Ordinance iden Ɵ fi es
specifi c zoning districts in the city and provides
development standards and regulaƟ ons that apply to
each district.

The Norwalk Zoning Code and Map is also amended
by ordinance concurrent with adop Ɵ on of the
Specifi c Plan to ensure complete consistency with
the General Plan. A new NTVSP zoning designa Ɵ on
(Specifi c Plan No. 17) will replace the site’s exis Ɵ ng zoning. The contents of this Speci fi c Plan will be
adopted by ordinance and will replace the exis Ɵ ng
zoning standards, except for the exis Ɵ ng zoning that
is incorporated by reference.

Where the City’s Zoning Ordinance’s regula Ɵ ons,
development standards, design guidelines, and/or
defi niƟ ons are inconsistent with this Specifi c Plan, the Specifi c Plan standards, regula Ɵ ons, and guidelines
shall supersede. However, any issue not speci fi cally
addressed in the NTVSP shall be subject to the exisƟ ng standards and regulaƟ ons of the Zoning Ordinance.

1.8  ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
An environmental impact report (EIR) has been
prepared in accordance with the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act to address the
potenƟ al environmental e ff ects of the NTVSP and
will impose mi Ɵ gaƟ on measures to reduce poten Ɵ al
impacts resul Ɵ ng from project implementa Ɵ on.

City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan6 Introduction
(SCH#2022070103). Any mi Ɵ gaƟ ons iden Ɵ fi ed in the
EIR will be idenƟ fi ed in the MiƟ gaƟ on Monitoring and ReporƟ ng Program (MMRP) adopted with the EIR and
are incorporated into this document by reference.

1.9  THE PLANNING PROCESS
The City of Norwalk conducted a robust public
engagement eff ort to include members of the public
in the planning process. A series of Community
MeeƟ ngs, focused stakeholder mee Ɵ ngs, and
taskforce meeƟ ngs were held during the en Ɵ tlement
process. In addi Ɵ on, the City conducted online
surveys to solicit community feedback which was
incorporated into the plan.

1.10  SPECIFIC PLAN

ORGANIZATION
SecƟ on 1 – IntroducƟ on
This secƟ on explains the purpose of the Specifi c Plan; local and regional context and se ƫ ng; background;
planning process and en Ɵ tlements; purpose and
objecƟ ves; authority to prepare; rela Ɵ onship to
exisƟ ng plans and policies; and organiza Ɵ on of the
Specifi c Plan.

SecƟ on 2 – Land Use and Development Standards
This sec Ɵ on describes the exis Ɵ ng and proposed
Land use and Zoning designa Ɵ ons. Permi Ʃ ed uses,
development standards, as well as landscape and
lighƟ ng standards are also established.

SecƟ on 3 – CirculaƟ on and Mobility
This sec Ɵ on describes various roadway types that
support mul Ɵ ple modes of transporta Ɵ on and the
overall circula Ɵ on of the site. Standards for the
roadways and streetscapes are established within this
secƟ on.

SecƟ on 4 – Infrastructure and Public Services
This sec Ɵ on describes infrastructure improvements
such as u Ɵ liƟ es, drainage and public services, as
necessary to accommodate the Specifi c Plan area.

SecƟ on 5 – AdministraƟ on and ImplementaƟ on
This sec Ɵ on discusses the development review
procedures by the City of Norwalk and other relevant
permiƫ ng agencies, applicable to the Speci fi c
Plan area. Implementa Ɵ on of the proposed land
uses, including Speci fi c Plan adop Ɵ on, subsequent
approvals and plans, substan Ɵ al conformance, and
phasing are outlined in this chapter. Addi Ɵ onally,
fi nancing sources and maintenance responsibili Ɵ es
are idenƟ fi ed.

1.11  ECO DISTRICT VISION
The Norwalk Transit Village is envisioned to be an Eco
District—meaning that it is sustainable, resilient, and livable.

An Eco District is typically characterized by a range
of sustainability features, which may include
energy and water e ffi ciency features, green spaces,
acƟ ve transporta Ɵ on op Ɵ ons, and waste reduc Ɵ on
strategies. Eco Districts aim to promote a holis Ɵ c
approach to urban development that considers
environmental, social, and economic factors and
seeks to create communiƟ es that are resilient, livable, and sustainable for future generaƟ ons.

Key to the Eco District’s success is that owners,
residents, and stakeholders collabora Ɵ vely choose
and implement goals viewed as most relevant to their
community.

II. Goals
The following are the overarching programmaƟ c goals
of the Eco District.

7 Introduction
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

1. Encourage ac Ɵ ve transportaƟ on op Ɵ ons and
reduce car dependency

2. Reduce water usage with the use of drought-
tolerant local landscape

3. Implement sustainable design principles

4. Promote energy e ffi ciency and on site
renewable energy

5. Foster community engagement

6. Develop Eco District Guidelines

1.11.1 Key Strategies
The following are the key strategies for achieving the
goals of the Eco District.
 Provide safe, accessible, and a Ʃ racƟ ve walking,
biking, and transit opƟ ons
 Incorporate green roofs, rain gardens, permeable
pavements, and other low-impact design
strategies
 Use drought-tolerant landscaping and low- fl ow
plumbing fi xtures
 Implement energy-e ffi cient building design,
renewable energy systems, and smart building
technology
 Foster community involvement through
educaƟ on and engagement iniƟ aƟ ves
 Develop Eco District Guidelines

1.11.2 ImplementaƟ on:

The following are the responsibili Ɵ es of the key
stakeholders in implemen Ɵ ng the eco district
protocol. A set of Eco District Guidelines must be
developed within one year of the fi rst residen Ɵ al
occupancy permit. The Eco District Guidelines must
remain acƟ ve for a minimum of fi ve years:
 City of Norwalk: The city will provide support and
resources to the development team, engage with
the community, draŌ the Eco District Guidelines
in consultaƟ on with the Developer and monitor
compliance with relevant laws and regulaƟ ons.
 Developer: The developer will be responsible for
incorporaƟ ng applicable sustainable principles
into their development designs where feasible,
promoƟ ng ac Ɵ ve transportaƟ on, reducing water
usage, and promoƟ ng energy effi ciency.
 ExisƟ ng neighbors: Exis Ɵ ng neighbors will be
encouraged to par Ɵ cipate in sustainability
iniƟ aƟ ves, educate themselves about eco-friendly
pracƟ ces, and support the development of the
eco district.
 New residents: New residents will be encouraged
to adopt sustainable prac Ɵ ces, par Ɵ cipate in
community engagement ini Ɵ aƟ ves, and support
the development of the eco district.

1.11.3 Review and Monitoring:

The Eco District Guidelines will be reviewed by the
City of Norwalk and updated yearly for a minimum
of fi ve years to ensure the guidelines remain eff ecƟ ve in achieving the goals of the Eco District. The city
with input from the stakeholders(Developer, exisƟ ng
neighbors, and new residents) will be responsible for
monitoring the implementa Ɵ on of the program and
report challenges or opportuniƟ es for improvement.

ImplementaƟ on of the Eco District Guidelines will
allow the city, developer, exisƟ ng neighbors, and new residents opportuniƟ es to work together to create a
sustainable, livable and resilient Eco District.

Consider the following steps:

Develop Eco District Guidelines: Eco District Guidelines will provide a comprehensive framework that
outlines goals, strategies and recommended ac Ɵ ons
to achieve sustainable and livable communi Ɵ es. This
plan should serve as a useful reference tool and may
be integrated into the overall development plan and
updated periodically to refl ect changes in technology
and market condiƟ ons.

Include a set of an Eco District Energy Guidelines:

Eco District Energy Guidelines may be developed to
outline recommended cost-e ff ecƟ ve energy-related
goals, strategies, and ac Ɵ ons for the development.

These recommenda Ɵ ons may include cost e ff ecƟ ve
ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase
energy e ffi ciency, and integrate renewable energy
sources.

Implement sustainable cost eff ecƟ ve design principles
and low-impact design strategies to reduce the urban
heat island eff ect and improve water management.

Encourage ac Ɵ ve transporta Ɵ on: By providing safe,
accessible and a Ʃ racƟ ve walking, biking and transit
opƟ ons, to reduce car dependency and use and
encourage a healthy, acƟ ve lifestyle.

Reduce water usage: Incorporate drought-tolerant
landscaping, low- fl ow plumbing fi xtures, and other
water-saving measures to reduce potable water use.

Promote energy e ffi ciency: Implement energy-
effi cient building design, renewable energy systems,
and smart building technology to reduce energy
consumpƟ on and carbon emissions.

City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan8 Introduction
Foster community engagement: Create opportuniƟ es
for residents and businesses to become involved and
educated in sustainability and eco-friendly pracƟ ces.

9 Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

2. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
This secƟ on defi nes the Planning Areas, Land Use DesignaƟ ons and development standards unique to the Norwalk Transit Village Speci fi c Plan. The Speci fi c Plan area contains eight Planning Areas, each assigned with one of the three land use designa Ɵ ons established within the Speci fi c Plan. The development standards for each land use designa Ɵ on,
including the standards for setbacks, height, frontages, parking, lighƟ ng, and signage will control development of the Specifi c Plan area.

2.1  GENERAL PROVISIONS
The California Government Code (Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 3, ArƟ cle 8, Sec Ɵ ons 65450 et seq.) grants authority to ci Ɵ es to u Ɵ lize Speci fi c Plans for purposes of implemen Ɵ ng the goals and policies of the City’s General Plan.

This Specifi c Plan establishes a set of regula Ɵ ons, standards, guidelines, and processes for the proposed development, and shall cons Ɵ tute the zoning for development within the Specifi c Plan area.

This secƟ on has been prepared in accordance with California Government Code Sec Ɵ on 65450, et seq. and the City of Norwalk Zoning Ordinance. Applica Ɵ on of the regula Ɵ ons contained in this sec Ɵ on is speci fi cally intended to provide the most appropriate use of the land, create a harmonious relaƟ onship among land uses and protect the health, safety and welfare of the community. The following General
Development Standards apply to all uses within the Speci fi c Plan area.

2.1.1 Applicability
The Specifi c Plan has been developed as both a regulatory and land use policy document, which, upon adopƟ on by ordinance will cons Ɵ tute the zoning for the property. Development plans or agreements, parcel maps, site plans or any other ac Ɵ on requiring ministerial or discre Ɵ onary approval of the subject property must be consistent with the Specifi c Plan. California Government Code, SecƟ on 65454 requires that a Specifi c Plan be consistent with the General Plan. Upon adopƟ on, acƟ ons deemed to be consistent with the Specifi c Plan shall be judged to be consistent with the City of Norwalk General Plan.

2.1.2 SEVERABILITY
In the event that any regulaƟ on, condiƟ on, program, porƟ on or policy of this Speci fi c Plan or the applica Ɵ on thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid or uncons Ɵ tuƟ onal by any court of competent jurisdicƟ on, such porƟ ons shall be deemed separate, disƟ nct and independent provisions and shall not aff ect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Specifi c Plan or applicaƟ ons thereof which can be implemented without the invalid provision or applicaƟ on.

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan10 Uses Not Listed and InterpretaƟ on
Any land use proposal not speci fi cally covered by the provisions contained herein shall be subject to determinaƟ on by the Community Development Director, with appeals in accordance with the Municipal Code.

Table 2.1 Land Use Summary
Land Use PA 1 PA 2 PA 3 PA 4 PA 5 PA 6 PA 7 PA 8 TOTAL
Mixed Use-High1
ResidenƟ al -- 20-85
DU/AC
20-85
DU/AC
20-85
DU/AC
20-85
DU/AC
20-85
DU/AC -- -- 770
AcƟ ve Commercial (sf) -- 2,500 2,500 2,500 3,500 2,500 -- -- 13,500 Mixed Use-Commercial
Hotel rooms 150 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 150
Neighborhood
Commercial
(sf) (0.5 FAR)
66,647 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 66,647
Open Space
Park (ac) -- -- -- -- -- -- 1.6 1.6
Trail/ park (ac) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 2.1 2.1
Planning Area (gross ac) 3.1 2.8 2.7 2.7 2.7 4.7 1.6 2.1 22.3 Total Units 770
Total Commercial (sf) 80,147
Streets and Sidewalks 8.8
Promenade/Fire Lane 0.9
ROW dedicaƟ on 0.4
Total Acres2 32.3
1 Residen Ɵ al uses within Planning Areas 2-6 may be MulƟ -family dwellings, including apartments, stacked fl ats, townhomes and similar building confi guraƟ ons. At least 40 percent of the total residenƟ al units in the Specifi c Plan must be aff ordable.
2 All Planning Areas are conceptual in size. Precise Planning Area acreages will be determined at the Ɵ me of tentaƟ ve tract map.

Development Standards
11City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

2.2  LAND USE PLAN
The Speci fi c Plan area represents approximately 32.3 acres located on Bloom fi eld Avenue in the city of Norwalk, California. To support the connec Ɵ vity between the Speci fi c Plan area, the Metrolink Sta Ɵ on, City Hall and Zimmerman Park, a mix of land uses have been incorporated into the plan to create a vibrant area that is cohesive with and bene fi ts the exis Ɵ ng neighborhood. The mixed-use concept features market rate and a ff ordable high-density housing, both rental and for-sale, a 150-key hotel, commercial uses such as restaurants and open spaces such as parks and trails. As stated previously, the Land Use Plan is organized into eight Planning Areas, each assigned with one of the Speci fi c Plan’s three land use designaƟ ons, as described in the following secƟ ons.

PA 6
MU-H
PA 1
MU-C
PA 7
OS
PA 8
PA 8
PA 2
MU-H
PA 3
MU-H
PA 4
MU-H
PA 5
MU-H

ZIMMERMAN
PARK
Mixed Use - Commercial
Open Space (includes fi re lanes, pump staƟ on)
Mixed Use - High Density ResidenƟ al
LEGEND
PA 8
PA 8
Figure 2-1 Land Use Plan
PA 8
Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan12

2.3  LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The following land use designa Ɵ ons are hereby
established as a part of the Norwalk Transit Village
Specifi c Plan (SPA No. 17):

2.3.1 Mixed Use Commercial (MU-C)
The Norwalk Transit Village will provide neighborhood-
serving commercial uses such as restaurants and
businesses that provide goods and services that
people would frequently use to take care of their
personal and household needs. Examples include
small grocery stores/markets, ea Ɵ ng and drinking
establishments, dry cleaners and hospitality uses. No
residenƟ al uses are permiƩ ed in this district.

2.3.2 Mixed Use High Density Residen Ɵ al
(MU-H)
The Norwalk Transit Village will primarily consist of
high density, transit oriented residen Ɵ al uses at a
density that ranges between 20 to 85 dwelling units
per acre (du/ac) with a maximum of 770 residen Ɵ al
units for the en Ɵ re Speci fi c Plan area. This includes market-rate and a ff ordable mul Ɵ family dwellings,
including apartments, stacked fl ats, townhomes and
similar building confi guraƟ ons.

To achieve a vibrant public realm and support a
walkable neighborhood up to 3,500 sf of ac Ɵ ve
non-residenƟ al commercial uses are permi Ʃ ed on
the ground fl oor level of developments within each
residenƟ al Planning Area.

2.3.3 Open Space (O)
A publicly accessible network of parks and linear
parks/greenways will run through the Norwalk Transit
Village site and connect it to Zimmerman Park. A
variety of community and wellness-oriented ameniƟ es
that promote health, social and mental well-being
will be distributed throughout the network. Examples
of open space ameni Ɵ es may include a tot lot with
play structures, shade structures, walking trails, par
course or fi tness equipment, community gathering
areas, community gardens, outdoor sea Ɵ ng, dog
runs, etc.

2.4  PLANNING AREAS
Eight dis Ɵ nct development areas, iden Ɵ fi ed as
“Planning Areas,” implement the planning objecƟ ves
set forth in the NTVSP . These eight Planning Areas are arranged in blocks that follow a logical organizaƟ on of uses that will create the Transit Oriented Developed
envisioned for the project. Together, the Planning
Areas will create a unique iden Ɵ ty for the NTVSP
through a robust network of pedestrian, bike and
vehicular linkages. Planning Areas 1 (non-residen Ɵ al) and 2-6 (mixed-use residen Ɵ al) are individual blocks
delineated by a property line set at the back of
sidewalk. Planning areas 7 and 8 contain open space
uses. Planning Areas as described below.

2.4.1 Planning Area 1
Planning Area 1 (PA 1) is an approximately 3.1-acre
block designated for Mixed Use Commercial uses.

This commercial block enjoys Bloom fi eld Avenue
frontage along the western project entry and permits
neighborhood commercial uses at up to 0.5 FAR and
a 150-key maximum hotel. The 0.5 FAR excludes the
hotel use. ResidenƟ al uses are not permiƩ ed in PA 1.

2.4.2 Planning Area 2
Planning Area 2 is approximately 2.8 acres designated
as Mixed Use-High Density ResidenƟ al. This block will allow mul Ɵ -family residen Ɵ al uses between 20 – 85
dwelling units per acre. Up to 2,500 square feet of
acƟ ve commercial uses are also permiƩ ed.

2.4.3 Planning Area 3
Planning Area 3 at Mixed Use-High Density ResidenƟ al
designated block totaling approximately 2.7 acres.

This block will allow mul Ɵ -family residen Ɵ al uses
between 20 – 85 dwelling units per acre. Up to
2,500 square feet of ac Ɵ ve commercial uses are also
permiƩ ed.

2.4.4 Planning Area 4
Planning Area 4 is approximately 2.7 acres and will
allow mul Ɵ -family residen Ɵ al uses between 20 – 85
dwelling units per acre. This block also allows up to
2,500 square feet of acƟ ve commercial uses.

2.4.5 Planning Area 5
Planning Area 5 is approximately 2.7 acres and will
allow mul Ɵ -family residen Ɵ al uses between 20 –
85 dwelling units per acre under a Mixed Use-High
Density ResidenƟ al designaƟ on. This block allows up
to 3,500 square feet of acƟ ve commercial uses.

2.4.6 Planning Area 6
Planning Area 6 is approximately 4.70 acres and will
allow mul Ɵ -family residen Ɵ al uses between 20 – 85
dwelling units per acre under a Mixed Use- High
Development Standards
13City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan Density ResidenƟ al designaƟ on. PA 6 also permits up to 2,500 square feet of acƟ ve commercial uses. Planning Area 6 has a maximum height of 35 feet and three stories.

2.4.7 Planning Area 7
The site’s main park is Planning Area 7, a 1.6-acre block situated between PAs 1 and 2. The park allows both acƟ ve and passive recreaƟ on uses within an Open Space designaƟ on.

2.4.8 Planning Area 8
Planning Area 8 consists of 2.1 acres of linear parks and a non-conƟ guous pocket park along the site’s southern boundary, including a 0.3-acre pocket park just south of PA 2. Both ac Ɵ ve and passive recrea Ɵ on uses are permiƩ ed in this Open Space designa Ɵ on. Planning Area 8 also contains a u Ɵ lity service/li Ō sta Ɵ on area, located just east of PA 5.

2.4.9 Other Areas
The Specifi c Plan areas includes approximately 8.7 acres of streets, sidewalks, 0.9 acre of fi re lanes, and a 0.4 acre of roadway dedica Ɵ on for Bloom fi eld Avenue. The fi re lanes serving PA 5 will also func Ɵ on as publicly accessible open spaces/promenades. These fi re lane/promenades are to the north, east and south of PA 5 and also provide access to Zimmerman Park.

2.5  PERMITTED USES
This sec Ɵ on of the Speci fi c Plan establishes the permi Ʃ ed land uses within the Speci fi c Plan Area and the corresponding permit requirements.

Allowable land uses within the Speci fi c Plan are detailed in Table 2.2, Permi Ʃ ed Uses. De fi niƟ ons of allowed land uses are provided in this Specifi c Plan, and, when not provided in this Speci fi c Plan, in Chapter 17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code. The Director of Community Development shall have the authority to interpret the use provisions in this Specifi c Plan pursuant to SecƟ on 5, AdministraƟ on and ImplementaƟ on, of this Speci fi c Plan governing interpretaƟ on and approve or deny any addiƟ onal uses in the future.

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan14 Table 2.2 PermiƩ ed Uses
Use Land Use DesignaƟ on

MU-C MU-H O
ResidenƟ al Uses3
MulƟ -family Dwellings, Apartments and Townhomes P
Senior housing P
Student Housing P
Micro Unit P
Live-work units P
Non-ResidenƟ al Uses
4 Art studio P P
Alcoholic beverage sales, on-site consumpƟ on C C C
Alcoholic beverage sales, off -site consumpƟ on C C
Animal Care (health, care, services) C C
Assembly Uses C
Banks P
Child Daycare Facility C C
Cultural Uses (theaters, libraries, museums) C
Dog Parks P P P
EducaƟ onal Uses (Trade schools, public/private schools) C C Garden, Community P P
Gymnasium C
Health club for public use C C
Mobile food trucks C C C
Medical Offi ces P C
Hotel (up to 150 keys) C
Offi ce P P
Parking Facility P P
Personal Service P P
Religious FaciliƟ es C
Retail P P
Restaurant P P
Social Service Center P
Spa, Day Spa C
RecreaƟ on, accessory to residenƟ al P
Temporary Uses
Farmers’ Market D D D
P – PermiƩ ed, C – Condi Ɵ onal Use Permit Required, D –Director Approval Required 3 Includes both Market Rate and A ff ordable residenƟ al uses. 4 Includes Quasi-public uses such as daycare and community services.

Development Standards
15City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

2.5.1 Special Standards

SPECIAL EVENTS
It is an Ɵ cipated that temporary uses and special
events such as farmer’s markets will occur within the
publicly accessible areas within the Norwalk Transit
Village. Any special event shall follow the City’s
permit process as outlined in Chapter 5.28 of the
Norwalk Municipal Code and must obtain approval of
the Community Development Director.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES AND SERVICES
In connec Ɵ on with alcoholic beverage sales and
services, the following requirements shall be met:

No off -sale business (incidental) shall be established
within 300 feet of any school, and no off -sale business (primary) shall be established within 300 feet of any
school or house of worship. The distances in the
preceding sentence shall be determined by measuring
from lot line to lot line.

Alcohol Use Permits for On-site ConsumpƟ on
Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter,
the on-site sale, service, or consump Ɵ on of alcoholic beverages in restaurants, cafés, indoor recrea Ɵ on
centers, and similar establishments in the Specifi c Plan Area shall be subject to the requirements speci fi ed
in this sec Ɵ on. Owners shall obtain and maintain all
required licenses from the state Alcoholic Beverage
Control board (ABC).

1. Owners and managers shall obey all federal,
state, and municipal laws and ordinances, and
comply with all condiƟ ons imposed pursuant
to any permit or license related to the sales
of alcoholic beverages for the establishment.

2. Owners shall comply with any applicable
provisions in the municipal code pertaining
to obtaining a business license.

3. Establishments regulated by this sec Ɵ on
may serve alcohol from 10:00 am to 2:00
am, seven days per week, unless otherwise
limited by a specifi c license or permit.

Alcohol Use Permits for Temporary and Special Events
Alcohol sales are permiƩ ed for temporary and special
events provided the required permits/approvals are
obtained from the ABC, subject to approval by the
Community Development Director.

Live-Work Standards and Criteria
The purpose of this sec Ɵ on is to provide standards
for live -work units . Live -work units are intended to provide an opportunity for business operators to
uƟ lize a por Ɵ on of a unit for commercial ac Ɵ vity. A live-work unit may be converted to a typical home
with no commercial acƟ vity.

The development and performance standards for
live -work units are as follows:

Live-Work Development Standards
These development standards shall apply to all live-
work units:

1. Each live -work unit shall front on a public
or private street, and the work area shall
be at street level. Live-work o ffi ces will be
small and independent, where no associated
parking demand will be generated.

2. Each unit shall have a pedestrian-oriented
frontage.

3. The residen Ɵ al unit shall not have a separate
street address from the business component.

4. The living space shall not be rented or sold
separately from the working space.

5. Other than a sign, as permi Ʃ ed by this
secƟ on, in no way shall the appearance of the
structure be altered, or the conduct of the use
within the structure be such that the structure
may be recognized as serving a nonresidenƟ al
use (either by color, materials, construc Ɵ on,
lighƟ ng, odors, noises, vibraƟ ons, etc.).

6. Workspace shall be limited to the fi rst fl oor
of the building. Living space shall be in the
rear ground level or upper fl oors so that it
does not interrupt the appearance of the
commercial frontage.

Live-Work Performance Standards
These performance standards shall apply to all live -
work units:

Home OccupaƟ on Permit. A Home OccupaƟ on Permit
is required for a business to operate within a live
work unit. No business shall be conducted within a
live-work unit, without the approval, issuance, and
maintenance of a valid Home OccupaƟ on Permit.

Noise. Noise resul Ɵ ng from conduct of the work
within the unit shall be mu ffl ed so as not to become
disrupƟ ve to surrounding neighborhoods due to
volume, tone, intermiƩ ence, frequency, or shrillness.

Odor. Every use shall be operated in such a manner
that it does not emit an obnoxious odor or fumes
beyond the working unit/area.

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan16 Smoke. Every use shall be operated in such a manner
that it does not emit smoke into the atmosphere.

Dust and Dirt. Every use shall be operated in such a
manner that it does not emit any dust or dirt into the
atmosphere.

2.6  DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
This sec Ɵ on provides standards and provisions for
the use of land within the Speci fi c Plan area. The
standards contained within this Chapter shall govern
all land uses and ac Ɵ viƟ es in the Speci fi c Plan area.

Standards are minimums unless otherwise indicated.

2.6.1 Development standards for all Norwalk
Transit Village Districts
New land uses and structures, and altera Ɵ ons to
exisƟ ng land uses and structures, shall be designed,
constructed, and/or established in compliance with
the requirements of this sec Ɵ on, in addi Ɵ on to
applicable land-use designa Ɵ on speci fi c and general
development standards. Accessory structures shall
meet the same development standards unless
otherwise modifi ed by State Law.

Table 2.3 General Development Standards
Land Use DesignaƟ on
Standard MU-C MU-H O
Density and Floor Area
ResidenƟ al density range Not applicable 20 - 85 du/ac Not applicable Floor area raƟ o range 2.255 1- 2.25 Not applicable
Hotel rooms max. 150 Not applicable Not applicable
Building Height Limit6 7
Stories range. 5 3-5 None
Structural height max. 65 Ō 65 Ō 2 35 Ō
Stepback min. 8 Ō above
4 stories
8 Ō above
4 stories None
Site Permeability and
Open Space
Permeable site area8 min. 10% 20% Not applicable
At-grade publicly
accessible open space9 min. 5,250 sf 5,250 sf Not applicable Setbacks
Front setback min. 10 Ō 10 Ō Not applicable
Front setback max. 12 Ō 12 Ō (15 Ō for
townhomes) Not applicable
Building Massing
Façade length before
massing break max. 225 Ō 225 Ō None
Façade length before
arƟ culaƟ on max. 125 Ō 125 Ō None
5 Neighborhood commercial in PA 1 limited to 0.5 FAR, hotel limited to 150 keys. Hotel is excluded from 0.5 FAR. 6 PA 6 has a maximum height limit of 35 feet and three stories. 7 For addiƟ onal height limits see residenƟ al height transiƟ on secƟ on below. 8 Site permeability must be met for each planning area. 9 At grade publicly accessible open space must be met for each residen Ɵ al planning area excluding Planning Area 6 and/or townhome.

Development Standards
17City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan Figure 2-3 Height TransiƟ on for PAs 3, 4 and 5
Key
Figure 2-2 Building Height
35’ 45’ 65’
Building
Height
Figure 2-4 Height: 8-foot stepback above 4 stories
Density
ResidenƟ al Development shall not exceed the
maximum density shall range between 20 to 85
dwelling units per acre, except as provided by State
Law. The overall Speci fi c Plan area shall not exceed
770 residenƟ al units.

Floor Area
Development shall not exceed the maximum fl oor
area raƟ o established in Table 2.3.

Building Height Limit
Buildings shall not exceed the building height limits
established in Table 2.3. Planning Area 6 has a
maximum height of 35 feet and three stories.

ResidenƟ al Height TransiƟ on
In planning areas PA 3, PA 4, and PA 5, within 65 feet
of the southerly property lines buildings shall not
exceed a height of three stories or 45 feet.

Height ExcepƟ ons
Parapets may exceed the height limit by up to six
feet. Stair and elevator penthouses may exceed the
height limit by up to 15 feet provided they are located at least eight feet from the face of any exterior wall
visible from a public street.

Site Permeability
Each Planning Area shall provide at least the
minimum permeable site area established in Table

2.3. Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan18 At-Grade Publicly Accessible Open Space
Projects shall provide at-grade publicly accessible
open space established by Table 2.3 on the lot.

Setback areas located between the at-grade publicly
accessible open space and a street-fron Ɵ ng property
line may be included in the calcula Ɵ on of the total
required area. Townhomes and similar building
types are exempt from at-grade publicly accessible
open space requirements if adjacent to a non-street-
adjacent open space paseo/greenbelt with a minimum
width of ten feet. Such open space paseos are exempt
from public accessibility requirements.

Figure 2-6 Building Setbacks
Access
At-grade publicly accessible open space shall be accessible to the public for a minimum of eight hours a day.

Publicly accessible open spaces shall be located adjacent to and accessible from the public sidewalk. They may be fenced for access control during the hours the open spaces are closed to the public.

Driveways Prohibited
Vehicular driveways are not permi Ʃ ed in at-grade publicly accessible open spaces. Vehicular driveways are permiƩ ed in all other on-site open spaces.

Setbacks
Development shall conform to the setback requirements established in Table 2.3. Setbacks establish minimum and maximum distances between development and street-fronƟ ng property lines. Setbacks shall be measured at a right angle from the property line of the lot to the point on the structure nearest to the property line.

Figure 2-5 Site Permeability
Key
Permeable site area
Development Standards
19City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan Figure 2-8 Massing Breaks
Key
Massing break
Frontage Occupancy
Street-fronƟ ng exterior walls shall be located
according to the minimum and maximum
setbacks for at least the minimum frontage
occupancy as required by the development
standards for each land use district.

Setback ExcepƟ ons
Stoops, balconies, architectural features, and
signs may project into setbacks up to eight
feet, measured from the street-facing wall of
a building perpendicular to the property line
of a lot. Recessed por Ɵ ons of stoop frontages
and inset balconies shall count toward the
minimum frontage occupancy requirement.

Building Massing
Exterior walls shall provide massing breaks
and ar Ɵ culaƟ on at the intervals established by
Table 2.3. Massing breaks shall be applied along
all street-fron Ɵ ng walls. Ar Ɵ culaƟ on shall be
provided at all exterior walls visible from the
street whether they are street-fronƟ ng or not.

Figure 2-7 Frontage Occupancy
Key
Frontage occupancy
Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan20 Façade Length Before ArƟ culaƟ on
Any exterior wall visible from a street shall provide
a change in façade material; a change in façade
color combined with a ver Ɵ cal o ff set of not less
than four inches; or change in fenestraƟ on paƩ ern.

Façade Length Before Massing Break
Street-fronƟ ng exterior walls shall be ver Ɵ cally
off set at least four feet from the adjacent street-
fronƟ ng exterior wall, measured at a right angle
from the property line of a lot. A massing break
shall extend for at least fi ve feet measured parallel
to the property line of a lot. Massing breaks are not
required at the 5
th story.

Massing breaks are encouraged to coincide with
building entries.

Figure 2-10 Massing break at entry
Key
Massing break coinciding with entry
Figure 2-9 Facade length before arƟ culaƟ on
Development Standards
21City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

2.6.2 Building Frontage Type Standards
New land uses and structures, and altera Ɵ ons to exis Ɵ ng land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements of this secƟ on.

Table 2.4 Frontage Type Standards
Frontage Type
Standard AcƟ ve General Stoop Landscape Parking
Ground Floor
Height above
sidewalk
min. Not
applicable
Not
applicable 6 in Not
applicable
Not
applicable
max. 12 in 24 in 30 in Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Façade
transparency min. 60% 35% 20% Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Entrance frequency min. 100 Ō Not
applicable 45 Ō Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Blank wall length max. 20 Ō 20 Ō 20 Ō Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Frontage length max. Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable 120 Ō
Architectural
screening Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable R
Trees PPPRR
Setback Area
Landscape LRRRR
Hardscape PLLLL
Fence or wall NP NP L NP NP
P - PermiƩ ed, NP - Not permiƩ ed, R - Required, L - Limited allowance Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan22 Figure 2-11 Frontage Types
Development Standards
23City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan Figure 2-12 Frontage Types
AcƟ ve Frontage
The ac Ɵ ve frontage is appropriate for commercial
uses, common spaces, and ameni Ɵ es. Its general
transparency and connec Ɵ on to the sidewalk help
acƟ vate the ground fl oor.
 Entries should be oriented toward the
adjoining sidewalk or open space.
 The area between the building façade and the
property line shall be hardscaped to provide
space for ac Ɵ vity and access to the building.

Landscaped area shall not exceed 25% of the
horizontal frontage area. Excep Ɵ on, ac Ɵ ve
frontages adjoining semi-enclosed courtyards
and courtyards may u Ɵ lize the open space
landscape and hardscape standards.
 Outdoor sea Ɵ ng shall be permi Ʃ ed in the
setback areas. Product displays shall be
permiƩ ed immediately adjoining allowable
non-residenƟ al uses, indoor amenity spaces,
and leasing offi ces.

General Frontage
The general frontage provides limited transparency
for non-ac Ɵ vaƟ ng uses and ground- fl oor units
without stoops.

The area between the building façade and the
property line shall be landscaped except for walks
providing access to the building. Excep Ɵ on, general
frontages adjoining semi-enclosed courtyards and
courtyards may uƟ lize the open space landscape and
hardscape standards.

Stoop Frontage
The stoop frontage is appropriate for ground- fl oor
units and helps put eyes on the street.
 Stoop entries may only be designated as
the primary unit entry for townhomes.

Stoop entries should be oriented toward the
adjoining sidewalk or open space.
 Stoops shall be associated with individual
ground-fl oor residen Ɵ al units and shall
provide direct access to the adjoining
sidewalk. Each stoop shall have a minimum
width of fi ve feet. Stoops may be enclosed by
low fences or walls no more than 42 inches
in height.
 Individual stoops within mulƟ family buildings
shall be separated by not less than eight feet
of landscaped area. Townhomes are exempt
from this provision.
o ExcepƟ on, a con Ɵ nuous at-grade
paƟ o enclosed by a 42-inchhigh wall
and hedge shall be permi Ʃ ed to
span not more than three adjacent
residenƟ al units.
 The area between the building façade or
the stoop and the property line shall be
landscaped except for walks providing access
to the building. Excep Ɵ on, stoop frontages
adjoining semi-enclosed courtyards and
courtyards may u Ɵ lize the open space
landscape and hardscape standards.

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan24 Landscape Frontage
The landscape frontage is used to line surface
parking areas.
 Landscape frontages shall be located
between property lines and surface
parking lots.
 Landscape frontages shall be landscaped
for the en Ɵ re horizontal area except for
walks providing access to the parking lot.

Parking Frontage
The parking frontage is used to line parking
structures located next to the public right of way.
 Parking frontages shall be located between
property lines and parking structures
visible from a street. Parking structures
shall be set back an addi Ɵ onal fi ve feet
from the property line for a minimum
setback of 15 feet.
 Parking frontages shall be landscaped for
the enƟ re horizontal area except for walks
and drives providing access to the parking
lot.
 A 24-inch box tree shall be planted at least
every 40 feet on center, measured parallel
to the property line of the lot.

Figure 2-13 Parking Frontage
Key
Setback area
Parking structure
Development Standards
25City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

2.6.3 Development Standards for Mixed Use Commercial District (MU-C) New land uses and structures, and altera Ɵ ons to exis Ɵ ng land uses and structures in the MU-C district, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements of this sec Ɵ on. Accessory structures shall meet the same development standards.

Table 2.5 Mixed Use Commercial District Frontage Standards (MU-C) Frontage
Standard Bloomfi eld Primary A Primary B Secondary A
Frontage occupancy min. 35% 60% 35% 15%
Number of curb cuts max. 1 None None 2
Primary building access PRPP
Secondary building
access PPPP
Frontage Type
AcƟ ve PPPP
General PN PP P
Stoop NP NP NP NP
Landscape PN PP P
Parking NP NP NP NP
P - PermiƩ ed, NP - Not permiƩ ed, R- Required
Curb Cuts and Driveways to Parking Garages and
Surface Parking Lots
The number of vehicular curb cuts shall not exceed
the maximum number established in Table 2.5. Two-
way driveways shall be 18 to 22 feet in width. One-
way driveways shall be 10 to 12 feet in width.

Building Access
Primary Building Access
Every building and every individual commercial
space shall have a primary building access.

All commercial spaces located in buildings adjoining
the “Primary A” frontage shall locate primary
building accesses at and oriented toward this
frontage. Primary building accesses may be located
at an allowable open space or within a massing break, provided it is located no more than 40 feet from the property line at the “Primary A” frontage. Pedestrian walkways between commercial spaces are encouraged to allow for direct access from the parking lot to the primary building access. Excep Ɵ on, commercial spaces less than 1,500 sq. Ō . in size may locate the primary building access toward other building frontages that are publicly accessible, e.g. the parking lot, as long as the majority of commercial spaces provide the primary building access at the “Primary A” frontage.

Secondary Building Access
Not required.

Figure 2-14 Retail Frontage
Key
Pedestrian walkway
Primary entry
Open sapce
Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan26

2.6.4 Development Standards for Mixed Use High Density Residen Ɵ al District (MU-H) New land uses and structures, and altera Ɵ ons to exisƟ ng land uses and structures in the MU-H district, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements of this sec Ɵ on. Accessory structures shall meet the same development standards unless otherwise modifi ed by State Law.

Table 2.6 Mixed Use-High Density ResidenƟ al District Frontage Standards (MU-H) Frontage
Standard Bloomfi eld Primary A Primary B Secondary A Secondary B Frontage occupancy min. 70% 50% N/A 35% 35%
Number of curb cuts max. None None None 1 10 2
Primary building
access RR P P P
Secondary building
access Not Applicable P P P P
Frontage Type
AcƟ ve NP P P P P
General NP NP P P P
Stoop PP P P P
Landscape PN P N P N PN P
Parking NP NP NP NP P (120 Ō )
P - PermiƩ ed, NP - Not permiƩ ed, R- Required
10 Townhomes require two curb cuts on side frontages.

Figure 2-15 Townhome Frontage
Key
Stoop
Green space
Driveway
Development Standards
27City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan Curb Cuts and Driveways to Parking Garages and Surface Parking Lots The number of vehicular curb cuts shall not exceed the maximum number established in Table 2.6, Mixed Use-High Density ResidenƟ al District Frontage Standards. Two-way driveways shall be 18 to 20 feet in width.

One-way driveways shall be 10 to 12 feet in width.

Building Access
Primary Building Access
Every mulƟ family residenƟ al building shall have one primary building access. The mail room, and if applicable leasing offi ce shall be located at or within 50 feet of the primary building access. The primary building access shall be located at and oriented toward the “Primary A” frontage. The primary building access may be located at an allowable open space or within a massing break, provided it is located no more than 40 feet from the property line at the “Primary A” frontage. This provision does not apply to Townhomes.

Secondary Building Access
Every mulƟ family residenƟ al building shall have at least two secondary building accesses. Per Table 2.5, Mixed Use-High Density ResidenƟ al District Frontage Standards, these shall be located at two of the three remaining street frontages. Any addiƟ onal secondary building access points may be located on any of the frontages. This provision does not apply to Townhomes.

Figure 2-16 Internal Building CirculaƟ on
All Building Accesses
Required building accesses shall enter to a
lobby or corridor. A stair or elevator serving the
majority of occupiable fl oors of the building
shall be located not more than 40 feet from the
nearest point in the lobby or more than 40 feet
from the point of entry to the corridor.

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan28

2.6.5 Open Space Type Standards
New land uses and structures, and altera Ɵ ons to exis Ɵ ng land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements of this secƟ on.

Table 2.7 Open Space Type Standards
Open Space Type
Standard Corner Plaza Semi-Enclosed
Courtyard Courtyard Paseo
General
Clear dimensions min. 30 Ō 35 Ō 45 Ō 35 Ō wide
max 60 Ō 145 Ō Not applicable Not applicable
Height above
sidewalk max 12 in 24 in Not applicable Not applicable
Permeable area min. Not applicable 25% 25% 25%
Parking frontage NP NP NP NP
Horizontal Area
Landscape PRRR
Hardscape PLLP
Fence or wall NP P P NP
P - PermiƩ ed, NP - Not permiƩ ed, R - Required, L - Limited allowance Figure 2-17 Semi-Enclosed Courtyard
Figure 2-18 Corner Courtyard
Development Standards
29City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan Open Space Dimensions
Open spaces shall meet the minimum and maximum
clear dimensions established in Table 2.8. Open
spaces shall be separated from each other by building
frontages mee Ɵ ng the setback requirements.

ExcepƟ on, minimum clear dimensions may be
reduced by 30% along no more than 40% of the
longer length of an open space.

Driveways in Open Spaces
Driveways may be located in open spaces. Driveway
areas shall be included in the calculaƟ on of maximum
clear dimensions. Driveway areas shall count towards
usable open space requirements.

Fences and Walls
Semi-enclosed courtyards and openings into
courtyards may be enclosed with a fence or wall not
more than 72 inches in height for both private and
publicly accessible open space. Along the street
frontage of an open space the fence or wall may
encroach into the setback by not more than fi ve feet,
measured perpendicular to the property line and
from the adjoining street-fronƟ ng building wall.

Private amenity areas may be enclosed with a fence
not more than 72 inches in height, except when
abuƫ ng a paseo. Such fences shall set back at least
20 feet from the closest street-fron Ɵ ng property
line. Areas between fences and property lines shall
be landscaped. The loca Ɵ on of passive recrea Ɵ onal
areas between the property line and the fence are
encouraged, but not required.
 Fences shall be at least 50 percent open.

Concrete block fences and wire mesh fences
are not permiƩ ed.
 Walls shall be en Ɵ rely screened from street
view by hedges. Wall shall have a fi nished
stucco appearance.

2.6.6 Site Planning and General Development
Standards
Screening
 All exterior mechanical equipment except for
solar collectors shall be screened or located
out of view from public streets. Screened
equipment shall include heaƟ ng and cooling,
duct work, plumbing, lines, and satellite
antennas.
 Screening materials shall have evenly
distributed opening or perfora Ɵ ons not
exceeding 60% of the surface area and shall
eff ecƟ vely screen mechanical equipment.

Landscaping is an acceptable screening
material.

UƟ liƟ es
 Above-ground u Ɵ lity meters, valves, and
backfl ow preven Ɵ on devices shall not be
located within 30 feet of the intersec Ɵ on
of two property lines. When located in a
required setback, such devices shall be
located at least fi ve feet from the property
line measured perpendicular to the property
line of the lot.
 Transformers and transformer pads shall be
located behind the minimum setback and
be screened with landscape materials. Vinyl
screening may be considered if landscaping is
not a feasible method of screening, subject to
the approval of the Community Development
Director.

Figure 2-20 Semi-enclosed courtyard fence
Figure 2-19 UƟ lity placement and screening
Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan30

2.7  PARKING AND LOADING

2.7.1 Minimum Parking Requirements
Table 2.8 Vehicular Parking Requirements
Use Requirement
Market Rate MulƟ family
Apartments 1.75 spaces per unit
Aff ordable MulƟ family Apartments 1.25 spaces per unit
Student Micro-unit 0.75 space per unit
Senior Unit 0.75 space per unit
Townhomes 2 spaces per unit
ResidenƟ al Guest Parking 0.25 spaces per unit
Non-residenƟ al in Planning Area 1
1 space/250 SF of Net
Leasable Area
Hotel
1 space/2 guest rooms; plus
parking for any restaurant/
retail uses as computed
separately.

Electric Vehicle Charging Per CALGreen
Note: Ground fl oor acƟ ve commercial/quasi-public space included with in the mulƟ family buildings shall not
require addiƟ onal parking. On-street parking may be used to meet residenƟ al guest parking requirements.

Table 2.9 Bicycle Parking Requirements
Use Requirement
ResidenƟ al Short-Term 1 space per 10 units
ResidenƟ al Long-Term 1 space per 3 units
Commercial Short-Term 1 per 1,000 SF
Commercial Long-Term
1 per 1,000 SF , but not less
than 4 per building
Note: In mixed-use projects non-residenƟ al and residenƟ al porƟ ons shall comply with the respecƟ ve requirement.

Units within Single Family AƩ ached buildings are exempt from bicycle parking requirements.

Development Standards
31City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

2.7.2 Parking Design
Expansion of Leasable Floor Area
Upon any future request for change or enlargement
of a building or structure that increases the number
of dwelling units or the amount of leasable fl oor area, addiƟ onal parking and loading spaces shall be provided for the new leasable fl oor area or dwelling units
without diminishing the exisƟ ng parking provided for
the exisƟ ng use, buildings, and/or structures, unless
the Director of Community Development determines
that such addi Ɵ onal parking is not required to
maintain compliance with this Speci fi c Plan provided
that increase does not exceed the maximum density
and/or FAR.

Parking Design and Standards
Unbundled parking opƟ ons for residents are allowed
in the project area. All residents shall park in their
assigned stalls and shall not park on adjacent
residenƟ al streets. Parking shall be monitored by
management. Parking requirements shall be per
Table 2.9, Vehicular Parking Requirements.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging StaƟ ons
EV charging staƟ ons shall be provided in compliance
with state building code. Excep Ɵ on, in PA 6 at least
two shared electric vehicle charging sta Ɵ ons shall be provided.

Bicycle Parking Design
Long-Term Bicycle Parking Design
All required long-term bicycle parking shall comply
with the following standards, except that up to 50% of
required long-term stalls may be located in residenƟ al units.

Secure storage
Provide secure bike racks or lockers that are made of
sturdy materials and are diffi cult to break.

Visibility
PosiƟ on bike parking in well-lit and visible areas, such as near entrances or in areas with high foot traffi c.

Security Cameras. Install CCTV cameras in bike parking
areas.

Bike RegistraƟ on Programs
Provide residents the op Ɵ on to register their bikes
with building management, including make, model,
serial number, and color to help recover stolen bikes
or idenƟ fy owners.

EducaƟ onal InformaƟ on
Educate residents on how to properly lock their bikes
and encourage the use of U-locks for secure storage.

Fix-it StaƟ ons
Provide a bike fi x-it sta Ɵ on with bike pump and
repair stand in the bike parking area and encourage
residents to keep their bikes in good working order.

Assigned Bicycle Commuter Parking in MulƟ family
ResidenƟ al Buildings
At least 25% of required long-term bicycle parking
shall be accommodated in ground-fl oor bicycle rooms.

Bicycle rooms shall be located indoors not more
than 30 feet of travel from a primary or secondary
building lobby. Access to bicycle rooms shall be from
the interior of the project and shall not be directly
accessible from the public realm. Spaces shall be
assigned and bicycle room keys or access cards only
issued to tenants with an assigned space.

Vehicular Loading and Pick-up/Drop-off Areas
For mul Ɵ family buildings, two temporary loading
spaces shall be located adjacent to each building
(Ɵ me-signed and shared where parallel parking is
provided) as convenient to the building elevator as
possible and regulated by management operaƟ ons. A
convenient ride share/passenger pick-up and drop-off
area shall be provided adjacent to the park and will
be idenƟ fi ed in the approved site plan.

Port Cocheres
Port cocheres and similar on-site vehicular areas
shall be located within parking structures or enclosed
courtyards. They are not permi Ʃ ed in setbacks or
open spaces visible from a public street.

Tenant Move-in Loading
Tenant move-in loading areas shall be located withing
parking structures or enclosed courtyards.

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan32

2.8  USEABLE OPEN SPACE
Usable open space will be provided throughout the
development site in a combina Ɵ on of private open
space, common areas, and publicly accessible open
space.

Table 2.10 Usable Open Space Requirements
Unit Type Usable Open Space
Requirement
Studio and One-
Bedroom Units
Min. 125 square feet per
unit
Two-Bedroom and
Three-Bedroom Units
Min. 150 square feet per
unit

2.8.1 Addi Ɵ onal Open Space Provisions
Private open space may include balconies, pa Ɵ os,
terraces, or rooŌ op decks with minimum dimensions
of 5 feet, and minimum of 40 square feet when
provided. These areas shall be carefully integrated
into the overall architectural design of the building.

Architectural elements such as railings, trellises, short walls, or roo Ō op enclosures shall be consistent with
the architectural style of the structure to which they
are aƩ ached.

Common open space shall be usable indoor or outdoor
areas and may include acƟ ve spaces (recreaƟ on rooms,
fi tness rooms, audiovisual entertainment, pool, etc.)
or passive spaces (lounges, outdoor landscape and
hardscape areas with sea Ɵ ng, barbeque area, and
other ameniƟ es) with minimum dimensions of 8 feet
(width and length). Roo Ō op decks and terraces may
be used to sa Ɵ sfy this requirement; however, these
areas shall be accessible to all residents within the
building and face the public rights-of-way where
possible.

Enclosed common open space (i.e., open space that
is enclosed on four sides, such as a courtyard) must
have a 1:2 raƟ o where the courtyard width is at least
one-half of the height of the adjacent building façade.

Open space that is open on one (1) or more sides
must have a width of at least one-third the height of
the adjacent building façade.

Publicly accessible open space refers to the crea Ɵ on
of parks, plaza areas, and greenbelts that are open
to the public. Publicly accessible open space shall
not include parking, driveways, or rear setback
areas, but may include front and side setback areas
if they are integrated into the overall design of the
project. Plazas, courtyards, or other smaller publicly
accessible open space areas must be installed at the
ground level, with connec Ɵ vity to public streets as
well any internal private drives. They must include
pedestrian-oriented ameni Ɵ es, including sea Ɵ ng,
lighƟ ng, walkways, and landscape and hardscape
features. Hardscape paving may include brick, stone,
interlocking concrete pavers, textured concrete, and/
or impressed pa Ʃ erned concrete. The minimum
dimensions of publicly accessible open space shall be
20 feet.

2.9  LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
The perimeter landscape is intended to encourage
walkability and pedestrian use and shall be designed
to complement the streetscape character. Internal
streetscape design shall encourage pedestrian
connecƟ vity to internal and external roadways,
the publicly accessible plaza and park areas, and
the plaza and park areas dedicated to the Norwalk
Transit Village community. The irriga Ɵ on system
shall be designed and constructed to meet and/or
exceed model water e ffi cient landscape ordinances
(MWELO). The following addi Ɵ onal standards shall
apply:

1. Landscaping shall not interfere with
pedestrian movement or impede the
visibility of businesses and signage.

2. All street trees adjacent to a sidewalk
shall be selected and installed to limit
the poten Ɵ al of root systems to a ff ect
sidewalks.

3. All por Ɵ ons of setbacks not covered by
permiƩ ed encroachments, pedestrian
walkways, or driveways shall be
landscaped.

2.10  SIGNAGE
Signs will announce the presence of the Norwalk
Transit Village, welcome visitors and residents, and
help users navigate the Speci fi c Plan area. The sign
development standards are intended to maximize the
idenƟ fi caƟ on of NTVSP as a dis Ɵ nct locaƟ on in a way that complements the overall image of Norwalk.

All signs proposed within the Speci fi c Plan area will
be governed by a comprehensive sign program that
will provide internal consistency in design style and
direcƟ on for placement and size of signs, including a
standardized wayfi nding program. The comprehensive
sign program shall also include provisions that
ensure that ligh Ɵ ng from signs shall not signi fi cantly intrude upon or impact adjacent residenƟ al uses. The
comprehensive sign program will be submi Ʃ ed a Ō er
Development Standards
33City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan approval of the Specifi c Plan for review and approval
by Director of Community Development pursuant to
Chapter 6, ImplementaƟ on, as a part of the ministerial review and approval process.

The following standards shall apply:

1. The base calcula Ɵ on for wall signs shall be
two square feet of signage per linear foot of building
frontage.

2. Capital le Ʃ ers shall not exceed a height of 18
inches. Lowercase le Ʃ ers shall not exceed a height
of 18 inches. When using a logo, logo size should not
exceed 24 inches. Two rows of leƩ ers shall not exceed
36 inches.

3. Blade sign structure incorporated into
buildings must be installed with individual aluminum
fabricated dimensional halo channel leƩ ers mounted
to a ver Ɵ cal blade sign. With a max sign area or 75
square feet (per side).

4. The sign area of a monument sign shall
not exceed 1.5 square feet for each foot of street
frontage. Sign placement shall not exceed a maximum
of one for every 150 linear feet of street frontage.

Signs shall be at least 7.5 feet from interior lot lines.

Monument signs shall be a maximum of 8 feet high
with a maximum 18-inch base and should not be a
hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffi c. Sign content shall be limited to tenant names (with no more than
two rows of leƩ ers).

5. Commercial building signage shall be limited
to channel le Ʃ ers, reverse channel le Ʃ ers, or other decoraƟ ve forms of signage approved by Director
of Community Development. Cabinet or box signs
on walls are expressly prohibited. Pole signs are
prohibited.

6. The sign sizes and loca Ɵ ons shall be compaƟ ble
with the design of the building to provide visibility to the public streets and visibility for pedestrians.

7. For live-work signage, a one-foot by two-
foot sign lis Ɵ ng the business is permi Ʃ ed on live-
work units. All other signage is not allowed, including signage on the inside of the units that can be viewed
through the front window.

2.11  LIGHTING
A detailed safety, ligh Ɵ ng, and signage ligh Ɵ ng plan shall be submi Ʃ ed and approved by the Director of
Community Development, prior to issuance of a
building permit, where the plan will discuss strategies for avoiding spillover lighƟ ng and to ensure pedestrian safety. The following lighƟ ng standards apply:

1. Ligh Ɵ ng within the Specifi c Plan Area
shall be directed to driveways, walkways,
and parking, and away from adjacent
properƟ es and public rights-of-way.

2. Outside of “public” areas of the Plan
Area, lighƟ ng temperatures shall not
exceed 3,000 Kelvin.

3. The pedestrian lights should have a
relaƟ vely low waƩ age light source in
the warm (yellow) color range (close to
3,000 Kelvin).

4. Pedestrian-scaled pole ligh Ɵ ng shall
provide a minimum of one (1) foot-
candle in all public areas.

5. Storefront or restaurant entries shall be
illuminated.

6. Outdoor ligh Ɵ ng shall be shielded to
prevent glare on adjacent properƟ es.

7. Energy-e ffi cient light bulbs shall be used
to minimize environmental impacts.

8. Pedestrian-scale decora Ɵ ve street
lighƟ ng in sidewalks shall have a
maximum spacing of 80 feet on-center.

Light sources should be 12 to 14 feet
above fi nished grade.

9. Site ligh Ɵ ng requirements shall be one
(1) foot-candle per square foot to lower
the amount of light that spills across the
site.

10. Ligh Ɵ ng fi xtures shall be integrated
into the landscape to facilitate safe
pedestrian circulaƟ on.

11. Full-cuto ff fi xtures shall be used in
landscape lighƟ ng. Excessive lighƟ ng
shall be avoided.

2.12  FIRE STANDARDS

1. All-weather fi re department access shall be
provided.

2. Vehicular access to all required fi re hydrants
must be provided and maintained as
serviceable throughout construcƟ on.

3. Provide fi re-department- or City-approved
street signs and building access numbers
prior to occupancy.

4. All residen Ɵ al and mixed-use buildings over
5,000 square feet shall have sprinkler systems.

5. A Knox box or other access provisions shall be
provided through all gates.

6. Approval from the fi re department is required
prior to issuance of building permits.

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan34

2.13  TRASH AND RECYCLING
TRASH
Any planned trash and recycle centralized loca Ɵ ons
for mul Ɵ family buildings, a Ʃ ached townhomes,
detached townhomes, stacked fl ats, and commercial
uses will be approved by the Development Director
prior to issuance of the fi rst building permit.

Trash and recycling areas serving mul Ɵ family or
commercial buildings shall either be enclosed within
a building or constructed of solid masonry material
with a decora Ɵ ve exterior surface fi nish compa Ɵ ble
with the main structure. The walls shall be a minimum
of six feet in height.

All centralized trash and recycling areas shall include a four-inch concrete pad.

COLLECTION AND LOADING OF RECYCLABLE

MATERIALS
Any recycling area(s) shall be located so they are at
least as convenient as the loca Ɵ on(s) where solid
waste is collected and loaded. Whenever feasible,
recyclable materials should be adjacent to or
incorporated within the trash collecƟ on areas.

Each recycling area within a mul Ɵ family residen Ɵ al
development shall be no greater than 500 feet from
each living unit.

2.14  OFFͳROAD CONSTRUCTION

EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
An o ff -road construc Ɵ on equipment plan shall be
approved by the Community Development Director
prior to the issuance of the fi rst grading permit for the project. The o ff -road construc Ɵ on equipment plan
must confi rm that the construcƟ on health risk posed
by the fl eet of off -road construcƟ on equipment to be
on-site to construct the project would be less than
the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s
(SCAQMD) threshold of 10 in one million. The o ff -
road construcƟ on equipment plan may include, but
not be limited to: the use of equipment that meets
EPA Tier 4 engine standards; alterna Ɵ vely-fueled
equipment (i.e., non-diesel); the use of added exhaust
devices; or a combinaƟ on of measures, provided that
these measures are approved by the Community
Development Director and demonstrated to result in
a construcƟ on health risk of less than the SCAQMD
threshold of 10 in one million.

2.15  DESIGN GUIDELINES
Open Space Design Guidelines
General Open Space Design
The design of common open spaces should priori Ɵ ze
aƩ racƟ ve landscaping, materials, and ameni Ɵ es that
provide a variety of opportuni Ɵ es for interac Ɵ on,
gathering, unstructured play, and general use.

LocaƟ on
Private outdoor spaces should be strategically placed
as an integral part of the development, rather than
being relegated to “leŌ over” spaces.

Community Rooms
If community rooms are included in the plans, they
should be located adjacent to outdoor spaces for
easy access.

Landscaping
The use of appropriate planƟ ngs that are in scale with the space should be a priority. This includes selecƟ ng plants that are appropriate to the local climate and
require minimal irrigaƟ on.

IrrigaƟ on
AutomaƟ c drip irriga Ɵ on systems should be
implemented, with the understanding that hand-
watering during winter may be necessary. Quick
couplers and hose bibs should also be provided for
convenience.

AmeniƟ es
Outdoor spaces should be equipped with various
ameniƟ es, including benches, trash receptacles,
bike racks, and lighƟ ng. Where canopy trees are not
feasible, alternaƟ ve forms of shade, such as pergolas, trellises, sunshades, or arbors, should be provided.

At designated dog areas or lawn areas, dog sta Ɵ ons
must be installed.

LighƟ ng
Lower-height pedestrian lighƟ ng should be provided.

All lighƟ ng should consider dark sky design guidelines.

Maintenance
The design of outdoor spaces should take into
consideraƟ on the ongoing maintenance needs of
planters, irrigaƟ on, hardscaped areas, ameniƟ es, and
storage.

Development Standards
35City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan Drainage
Drainage systems should be directed from private outdoor spaces either through underground systems or alternaƟ ve systems that are integrated with the overall storm drainage system of the development and consistent with the Drainage Plan outlined in the Appendix.

Blank Walls
Blank walls should be avoided within the perimeter of the courtyards to enhance the aesthe Ɵ c appeal of the space.

2.16  DEFINITIONS
This sec Ɵ on provides de fi niƟ ons for the Development Standards, which shall supersede any con fl icƟ ng defi niƟ ons found elsewhere in the Zoning Code. The de fi niƟ ons presented herein are intended to ensure consistency and accuracy in the applicaƟ on and interpretaƟ on of the Specifi c Plan regulaƟ ons.

ResidenƟ al density is calculated as the total number of residenƟ al dwelling units divided by the gross lot area in acres. Frac Ɵ onal units shall be rounded to the nearest whole number when determining the maximum allowable number of units is measured as the total number of residen Ɵ al dwelling units divided by the gross lot area in acres. When determining the maximum allowable number of units fracƟ onal units shall be rounded to the nearest hole number.

Apartment means a building containing mul Ɵ ple residen Ɵ al units. Apartments are typically occupied on a rental basis.

Townhome means a single-family residen Ɵ al unit of three stories that is connected to a similar unit by a common wall. Townhome may also mean row town, town house Height, structural means the ver Ɵ cal measurement from the highest point of the structure (excluding any projecƟ ons which this Ɵ tle expressly authorizes above the maximum height) to the closest fi nished grade. For properƟ es with a sloping grade, the maximum allowable height shall be measured as the verƟ cal measurement from the closest sloping fi nished grade to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the fi nished grade at the Ɵ me of project submiƩ al.

Lot area, gross is defi ned as the total horizontal area within the property lines of a lot.

Floor area raƟ o means the gross fl oor area of all buildings and structures on the lot divided by the total lot area.

Floor area, gross means the sum of the horizontal areas of each fl oor of a building, measured from the interior faces of the exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separa Ɵ ng two buildings, but not including underground parking, uncovered steps, or exterior balconies.

Permeable site area is the horizontal area of a lot free of any structures, impermeable pavement, or features that would prevent the infi ltraƟ on of water into the ground. For the purposes of this sec Ɵ on pavement shall be considered permeable if it has an eff ecƟ ve porosity of 15% or more across all components of the pavement assembly.

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan36

PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Circulation and Mobility
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan 37

3. Circula Ɵ on and Mobility

3.1  REGIONAL ACCESS
Regional access to the Speci fi c Plan area is provided primarily by the Interstate 5 Freeway, located approximately a half mile to the south. In addiƟ on, the 605 and 105 Interstate Freeways are located approximately

2.3 miles to the west of the Specifi c Plan area.

The Speci fi c Plan area is accessed via Bloom fi eld Avenue to the west and is essen Ɵ ally landlocked by residen Ɵ al uses to the north and south and Zimmerman Park to the east. A new signalized entry and two non- signalized entries are planned off Bloomfi eld Avenue for vehicular access.

The northern non-signalized entry will be right-in/right-out only while the southern non-signalized entry will only have restricted access for le Ō -out movements.

Bloomfi eld Avenue is classi fi ed as a Major Highway in the City of Norwalk General Plan Circula Ɵ on Element but is not improved to its full width.

Improvements planned as part of the Specifi c Plan implementaƟ on will be minor in nature, including the following:
• Roadway dedica Ɵ on
• New or modi fi ed driveways into the Planning Areas, which will require encroachment permits within City rights-of-way.
• Modi fi caƟ ons to the raised median to allow full turn movements into the site.
• Streetscape improvements such as landscaped parkways, pedestrian walkways, bus transit stops, street furniture, and widened pedestrian zones will be provided.

The Major Highway classi fi caƟ on provides for fi ve to six tra ffi c lanes within a 100-foot right-of-way and an 80-foot paved, curb to curb width.

Bloomfi eld Avenue is a four-lane divided right-of-way adjacent to the Specifi c Plan area. At this loca Ɵ on, the roadway presently provides two vehicular travel lanes in each direc Ɵ on with a raised landscaped median.

Parking is prohibited along both sides of the street, and the posted speed limit in the vicinity is 40 miles per hour (mph).

City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan38 Circulation and Mobility

3.2  STREET SECTIONS
Streets in the Norwalk Transit Village Speci fi c Plan include lane widths of 10 feet which are appropriate in urban areas and provide safety without impac Ɵ ng traffi c opera Ɵ ons. In addi Ɵ on, parking lane widths of 7–9 feet are recommended.

The site will include 20 to 28 feet access roadway widths to accommodate fi re apparatus access, with a minimum of 10 feet and a maximum of 30 feet from the access roadway to building face. Driving surfaces will be capable of supporƟ ng fi re apparatus as required by fi re code.

Access to the Specifi c Plan Area and the proposed internal circulaƟ on system are shown on Figure 3-1 Vehicular CirculaƟ on Concept. Internal circula Ɵ on will be provided by a series of east-west and north-south roadways.

The locaƟ on and size of proposed street sec Ɵ ons is conceptual in nature and will be determined at the Ɵ me of fi nal tract map approval.

Figure 3-1 Vehicular CirculaƟ on
Bloomfi eld Avenue
Northern East-West Street
108-foot ROW
East-West Streets
74-foot ROW
East-West Street - Adjacent to Linear Park
74-foot ROW
North-South Streets
50-foot ROW
Fire Lane/Promenade - Zimmerman Park
Interface
LEGEND
Circulation and Mobility
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan 39

3.2.1 NORTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 108-foot public right-of-way The northern east-west street adjacent to Planning Areas 1, 2 and 8 is a 108-foot public right-of-way which includes a ten-foot center median, two ten-foot travel lanes in each direc Ɵ on, one fi ve-foot Class II bike lane in each direc Ɵ on, twenty-foot angled parking on the south side of the street, one six-foot parkway on each side of the street, and eight-foot sidewalks on both sides of the street. This design allows for forty percent permeability.

Figure 3-2 Northern East-West Street - 108-foot Right of Way

City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan40 Circulation and Mobility
Figure 3-3 Northern East-West Street - 74-foot Right of Way - Northern

3.2.2 NORTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 74-foot public right-of-way The northern east-west street adjacent to Planning Areas 3, 4 and 5 is a 74-foot public right-of-way which includes one ten-foot travel lane in each direc Ɵ on, one six-foot Class II bike lane in each direc Ɵ on, an eight- foot trail on the south side of the street, a four-foot parkway on the south side and a six-foot parkway on the north side of the street and eight-foot sidewalks on both sides of the street. This design allows for forty-nine percent permeability.

Circulation and Mobility
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan 41

3.2.3 SOUTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 74-foot public right-of-way The southern east-west street adjacent to Planning Areas 3, 4 and 5 is a 74-foot public right-of-way which includes one ten-foot travel lane in each direc Ɵ on, one fi ve-foot Class II bike lane in each direc Ɵ on, parallel parking, one six-foot parkway and one eight-foot sidewalk on each side of the street, and a green bu ff er of varying width on the south side of the street. This design allows for fi Ō y-six percent permeability.

Figure 3-4 Southern East-West Street - 74-foot Right of Way - Southern City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan42 Circulation and Mobility

3.2.4 NORTH-SOUth STREET - 50-foot public right-of-way
The north-south street is a 50-foot public right-of-way which includes one ten-foot travel lane shared with Class III bike lanes in each direc Ɵ on, parallel parking on the south side of the road, and one six-foot parkway and fi ve-foot sidewalk on each side of the road. This design allows for forty-six percent permeability.

Figure 3-5 North-South Streets - 50-foot Right of Way -

Circulation and Mobility
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan 43 Figure 3-6 Easterly Promenade/Fire Lane Frontage to Zimmerman Park

3.2.5 PROMENADE/FIRELANE -INTERFACE WITH ZIMMERMAN PARK A 28-foot fi re lane/pedestrian promenade is located to the east of Planning Area 5. This public frontage, which includes a drainage easement and parkway area, ranges from 52 to 65-feet in width.

City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan44 Circulation and Mobility

3.3  PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CIRCULATION
One of the NTVSP goals is to reduce the reliance on single occupant passenger vehicles, and as such the site design aims to maximize pedestrian and bicyclist connec Ɵ vity between the diverse uses within the Speci fi c Plan Area and to the greater Norwalk area. Class II and III bike lanes are included within all roadways and will connect to the exisƟ ng and future city-wide bicycle system.

Pedestrian circula Ɵ on will be provided throughout the Speci fi c Plan Area via walkways and linear parks.

Pedestrian crossing shall be provided between all Planning Areas as well as at the proposed tra ffi c signal on Bloomfi eld Avenue. The rou Ɵ ng of pedestrian and bicycle circula Ɵ on is conceptually shown in Figure 3.3, MulƟ -Modal CirculaƟ on Concept. The locaƟ on of proposed pedestrian and bicycle circulaƟ on is conceptual in nature and will be determined at the Ɵ me of fi nal tract map approval.

Figure 3-7 Pedestrian and Bicycle CirculaƟ on
Sidewalk
Bike lane
Pedestrian and bike promenade
Walk and running trial
Circulation and Mobility
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan 45

3.4  ACCESS TO TRANSIT
The NTVSP enjoys proximity to the Norwalk-Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Sta Ɵ on, which is approximately 0.2 miles from the Specifi c Plan area (or a 0.5-mile walking distance).

The Norwalk Transit System (NTS) off ers seven fi xed routes serving Norwalk and the surrounding communiƟ es, including Artesia, Bell fl ower, Cerritos, La Habra, La Mirada, Santa Fe Springs, Whi ƫ er, and Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The Specifi c Plan area is located directly on Route 3: Gateway Plaza, Norwalk & 166th of the NTS. NTS can be used to access two other transit staƟ ons: The Norwalk Greenline StaƟ on and The Los Angeles Metro - Norwalk StaƟ on.

Figure 3-8 Transit Access
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan46 Circulation and Mobility

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47 Infrastructure and Public Services
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

4. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES

4.1  INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES
Ensuring the NTVSP is served by adequate infrastructure is cri Ɵ cal to the successful implementa Ɵ on of the plan and future development of the area.

4.1.1 Domes Ɵ c and Reclaimed water
Golden State Water Company (GSWC) is the domesƟ c water service provider for the Speci fi c Plan area while Liberty U Ɵ lity is the water service provider for Zimmerman Park. Central Basin Municipal Water District Provides reclaimed water to the area. ExisƟ ng 12” domesƟ c water lines and exisƟ ng 12” reclaimed water lines are present in Bloomfi eld Avenue Avalon.

ConstrucƟ on of new, on-site water distribu Ɵ on lines are required to serve the new buildings and facili Ɵ es in the Specifi c Plan area. New 12” domesƟ c water lines will be installed concurrently with street improvements.

ConnecƟ ons to buildings for potable and fi re protecƟ on water will be made prior to cer Ɵ fi cate of occupancy.

Water for irrigaƟ on and proposed water features will come from reclaimed water. New 6” reclaimed water infrastructure will be installed with street improvements.

Development within the Speci fi c Plan area would result in a demand of approximately 202 Acre Feet per year (AFY) for domesƟ c water and 15 AFY for reclaimed water. It is anƟ cipated that the Specifi c Plan area will be adequately served by available water supplies from exis Ɵ ng en Ɵ tlements and resources. A Water Supply Assessment (WSA) was prepared in accordance with Senate Bill 610 (SB 610) to analyze the anƟ cipated water demand and to determine that exisƟ ng water supply sources and faciliƟ es can accommodate such demand.

4.1.2 Wastewater
The Los Angeles County SanitaƟ on Districts (LACSD) operates and maintains the wastewater system that serves the Specifi c Plan area. The on-site system will include a sewer liŌ staƟ on and will be designed to pick up sanitary fl ows from points of connecƟ on at each building to a new 8” sewer main to be installed concurrent with street improvements. The exisƟ ng 8” trunk sewer within Zimmerman Park to the east will remain. Connec Ɵ ons to buildings will be made prior to cerƟ fi cate of occupancy. Stormwater CollecƟ on The local storm drain infrastructure is owned and maintained by the Los Angeles County Flood Control. An exisƟ ng 93” storm drain runs north to south along the eastern property line. New 18” to 36” stormwater collecƟ on drains will be installed concurrent with street improvements. A 96” solid pipe deten Ɵ on basin system with 22,716 cubic foot capacity will be installed in the street at the southeast porƟ on of the site.

4.1.3 Water Quality
Improvement of water quality is a cri Ɵ cal issue for all development. Local, State, and Federal laws include requirements for the treatment of storm water runo ff to reduce pollutants entering the environment.

OpportuniƟ es for large-scale water quality improvements (such as storm water basins) in urban areas are limited. Best Management Prac Ɵ ces (BMPs) are structural or engineered devices and systems used to treat storm water runoff before it is discharged into a drainage system (storm drain or channel). BMPs appropriate for an urbanized seƫ ng may include the following menu of items, which will be re fi ned as part of a Standard Urban Stormwater MiƟ gaƟ on Plan (SUSMP).
• Permeable Pavement: Permeable pavements contain small voids that allow water to pass through to a gravel base. They come in a variety of forms; they may be a modular paving system (concrete pavers, grass- City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan48 Infrastructure and Public Services
pave, or gravel-pave) or poured in place pavement
(porous concrete, permeable asphalt).
• Bio fi ltraƟ on/BioretenƟ on: Bioreten Ɵ on storm
water treatment faciliƟ es are landscaped shallow
depressions that capture and fi lter storm water
runoff . These faciliƟ es funcƟ on as a soil and plant-
based fi ltraƟ on device that removes pollutants
through a variety of physical, biological, and
chemical treatment processes. Vegetated swales,
fi lter strips, and planter boxes fall within this
category.

Prior to issuance of grading permits for any
implemenƟ ng development project within the
Specifi c Plan area, a SUSMP must be submi Ʃ ed
for review and approval by the City. A preliminary
SUSMP will be submi Ʃ ed as part of the en Ɵ tlement
process for individual development projects within
the Speci fi c Plan area; it will outline the required
quanƟ Ɵ es of storm water required to be treated
and the appropriate treatment methods. A fi nal
SUSMP will be submiƩ ed as part of fi nal construcƟ on
documents, which will describe the fi nal selecƟ on of
BMPs for the proposed development.

The County of Los Angeles adopted a low impact
development (LID) storm water ordinance and manual
in 2009. LID is a drainage strategy and concept that
allows runoff from developed sites to closely mimic
the runoff pa Ʃ ern and water quality of undeveloped
sites. There is a hierarchy of storm water treatment
methods that the County has established and new
developments are required to u Ɵ lize the highest
method that is technically feasible. The treatment
method hierarchy is as follows:

1. In fi ltraƟ on of storm water into the underlying
soils

2. Storage and bene fi cial reuse of storm water

3. High-E ffi ciency storm water biotreatment

4. Mechanical storm water treatment

4.1.4 Green Infrastructure
The Speci fi c Plan area will incorporate green
infrastructure facili Ɵ es into the street design.

TradiƟ onal “gray” storm drain infrastructure (curbs,
guƩ ers, storm drain structures, and piping) channels
runoff directly into receiving waters without
treatment. As the runo ff travels over impervious
surfaces, it collects pollutants such as heavy metals,
oils, grease, trash, etc. Over Ɵ me, this leads to the
polluƟ on of local waterbodies. In contrast, green
infrastructure faciliƟ es are designed to mimic natural systems to capture, store and treat stormwater
using specially designed landscape systems. Green
infrastructure is designed to allow runo ff to in fi ltrate into the ground, regenera Ɵ ng the water table, and
reducing the overall load on exis Ɵ ng stormwater
faciliƟ es.

Green infrastructure also provides ameni Ɵ es with
many benefi ts beyond water quality improvement and
groundwater replenishment, including the reduc Ɵ on
of fl ooding, crea Ɵ on of a Ʃ racƟ ve streetscapes and
habitats, and miƟ gaƟ on of the heat island eff ect.

4.1.5 Power
The Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan area will rely solely on electricity for power. No natural gas will be used for hea Ɵ ng, cooking, etc. Southern California
Edison (SCE) maintains facili Ɵ es along Bloom fi eld
Avenue and along the southern property boundary.

These facili Ɵ es are expected to have adequate
capacity to serve the development proposed in the
Specifi c Plan. However, addi Ɵ onal structures will be
needed within the area due to the proposed electrical
load that will require mul Ɵ ple transformers served
from mulƟ ple switches. Based on detailed analysis as
site plans are developed, a number of transformers
will be required to support the electrical needs of the Specifi c Plan.

4.1.6 Solar
Solar, or Photovoltaic Panels, will be provided per the California Green Building Code in eff ect at the Ɵ me of building permit applicaƟ on(s).

4.1.7 Solid Waste and Recycling
The developers/operators of each Planning Area
shall coordinate with the City’s waste hauler for the
collecƟ on, disposal, and recycling of solid waste.

A comprehensive recycling plan shall be included
with each development plan submi Ʃ als prior to
the City’s issuance of a building permit approval.

The comprehensive recycling plan shall consist of a
general recycling program for all uses including the
separaƟ on of organic waste. The recycling program
shall speci fi cally require the incorpora Ɵ on of
permanent, clearly marked, durable, source-sorted
recycling bins for all structures. The bins shall be
conƟ nuously maintained to ensure proper opera Ɵ on
and adequate access.
49 Infrastructure and Public Services
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan Recycling will also extend to construc Ɵ on ac Ɵ viƟ es.

All construcƟ on debris may be recycled in a pracƟ cal, accessible manner, to the extent feasible, during the
construcƟ on phase of any Planning Area. CompacƟ on
faciliƟ es for non-recyclable materials shall be provided for every occupied commercial building greater than
20,000 sf in size to reduce both the total volume of
solid waste produced and the number of truck haul
trips required for collecƟ on, to the extent feasible.

4.1.8 Telecommunica Ɵ ons FaciliƟ es
TelecommunicaƟ ons services will be provided onsite
by one or many local purveyors.

4.2  GRADING
The Norwalk Transit Village Speci fi c Plan Site grades
from east to west with a shallow slope of approximately

0.2 to 0.4 percent. The design aims to reduce earth
import. Approximately 60,510 cubic yards of import
is anƟ cipated over the course of construc Ɵ on for the total development of the Speci fi c Plan area, which is
anƟ cipated to occur intermi Ʃ ently over a 3-month
period during the grading/site preparaƟ on phase.

4.3  PUBLIC SERVICES

4.3.1 Fire protec Ɵ on
The County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACFD)
provides fi re protec Ɵ on services to the City, and
the Speci fi c Plan area. There are several primary
fi re sta Ɵ ons that provide both fi re and emergency
medical services to the City, with two of the sta Ɵ ons located within Norwalk’s boundaries. The Speci fi c
Plan area is within the service area of Fire Sta Ɵ on
20, which provides fi re and rescue services and safe
haven services. The nearest fi re staƟ on is Fire StaƟ on #20, located at 12110 Adoree St, Norwalk, CA 90650,
approximately 0.6 miles west of the Specifi c Plan area.

The LACFD uses na Ɵ onal guidelines of a 5-minute
response Ɵ me for the fi rst-arriving unit for fi re and
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responses and 8
minutes for the advanced life support (paramedic)
unit in urban areas. In 2022, the LACFD confi rmed Fire
StaƟ on #20 met established response Ɵ mes with an
emergency response of 4 minutes.

Development in the Speci fi c Plan area is required
to comply with LACFD requirements for emergency
access, fi re-fl ow, fi re protecƟ on standards, fi re lanes, and other site design/building standards. AddiƟ onally, all future development within the Speci fi c Plan area
would be subject to compliance with the exis Ɵ ng
regulaƟ ons speci fi ed in the California Fire Code,
California Building Code, Interna Ɵ onal Fire Code,
the Norwalk Municipal Code (Municipal Code), and
specifi c fi re and life safety requirements in eff ect that the Ɵ me of building fi re plan check.

4.3.2 Law enforcement
The Los Angeles County Sheri ff ’s Department (LASD)
provides police protec Ɵ on services to the Norwalk.

The Speci fi c Plan area is within the service area
of the Norwalk Sheri ff ’s Sta Ɵ on, which provides
police services to Norwalk and La Mirada, South
Unincorporated Whi ƫ er, and East Unincorporated
Whiƫ er. The Speci fi c Plan area would be served by
the Norwalk staƟ on located at 12335 Civic Center Dr,
Norwalk, CA 90650, approximately 0.26 miles west of
the site.

ImplementaƟ on of the Speci fi c Plan would introduce
addiƟ onal residents, employees, and visitors to the
area, which would incrementally increase the demand
for police services. Although the Speci fi c Plan would
introduce addiƟ onal residents and employees to the
area, it is not an Ɵ cipated that this increase would
have the capability to result in a substan Ɵ al adverse impact to police services or require the need for new
or addiƟ onal police facili Ɵ es. Implementa Ɵ on of the Specifi c Plan would be consistent with the land uses
anƟ cipated for the area and are not an Ɵ cipated to
result in a substan Ɵ al increase in demand on police
services provided by LASD.

4.3.3 Schools
The Speci fi c Plan area is located in the Norwalk-La
Mirada Uni fi ed School District. Developer fees are
levied by the pursuant to the provisions of Sec Ɵ on
17620 of the Educa Ɵ on Code, as well as Sec Ɵ ons
65995 and 66001 of the Government Code. Any
residenƟ al or commercial/industrial construc Ɵ on
project within the School District boundary may be
subject to the fee.

Based on the District’s 2021 Residen Ɵ al and CID
Development School Fee Jus Ɵ fi caƟ on Study the
anƟ cipated student generaƟ on for the 770 residenƟ al
units in the Specifi c Plan area is outlined in Table 5.1, Student GeneraƟ on.

City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan50 Infrastructure and Public Services
Table 5.1 Student GeneraƟ on
Grades Generation Rate
(MF units) Students
Elementary 0.1954 150
Middle 0.0998 77
High 0.1341 103
Total 331
The closest schools to the Specifi c Plan area include the following:
• Mo ffi Ʃ Elementary School at 13323 South Goller Avenue, Norwalk, CA 90650 • Waite Middle School at 14320 S. Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, CA 90650 • John Glenn High School at 13520 Shoemaker Avenue, Norwalk, CA 90650 • Southeast Academy at 12940 E Foster Road, Norwalk, CA 90650 ResidenƟ al, commercial and hotel uses will pay statutory school miƟ gaƟ on fees at the Ɵ me of building permit.

4.3.4 Libraries
The closest libraries to the Specifi c Plan area include the following:
• Norwalk Library at 12350 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650 • Alondra Library at 11949 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650 51 Implementation
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

5. ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

5.1  ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND REVIEW
Approval of the NTVSP indicates acceptance by the Norwalk City Council of the NTVSP’s framework for the development of the plan area. Project approvals may include, among other en Ɵ tlements, a Development Agreement (DA) between the developer and the City of Norwalk. The NTVSP supplemented by the DA establish the standards and regulaƟ ons that consƟ tute the zoning for the plan area and regulates development within the area. The Specifi c Plan provisions shall take precedence over the requirements of the zoning code of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC). If not speci fi cally addressed in the NTVSP , the applicable provisions of the NMC shall apply.

The provisions of the Specifi c Plan shall be enforced as follows:

1. The Director of Community Development shall be the City administrator responsible for enforcing the regulaƟ ons, site development standards, and procedures set forth in the Specifi c Plan.

2. The Director of Community Development shall have the administra Ɵ ve authority for interpreta Ɵ on related to the enforcement of the Specifi c Plan. The Director of Community Development may submit his/her interpretaƟ ons for review by the Planning Commission. Decisions of the Planning Commission shall be subject to appeal to the City Council.

3. In the event of any ambigui Ɵ es or silence on a par Ɵ cular topic that cannot be resolved through the provisions of this Specifi c Plan, other secƟ ons of the City of Norwalk General Plan and Zoning Ordinance shall guide interpretaƟ ons of this Specifi c Plan.

5.2  TYPE OF REVIEW PROCEDURES
Approval of development within the NTVSP shall be subject to the review authority and review processes set forth in this SecƟ on. If there is any confl ict between the provisions of this Specifi c Plan and Chapter 1 of ArƟ cle IX of the NMC, the provisions of this Specifi c Plan shall control.

Unless otherwise set forth below, to be valid, any appeal must be fi led with the City Clerk within fi Ō een (15) days of the decision upon which the appeal is made. All decisions shall automa Ɵ cally become fi nal unless a valid appeal is Ɵ mely received.

The following types of applicaƟ ons shall be reviewed and acted upon as listed in Table 5.1.

The Speci fi c Plan shall be administered by the City Council, the Planning Commission, and the Director of Community Development (each a Review Authority as set forth in Table 5.1).

City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan52 Implementation
Table 5.1: Review Authority
Type of ApplicaƟ on
Community
Development Director
Ministerial Approval3
Planning Commission
discreƟ onary
approval1
City Council approval
(aŌ er Planning
Commission
recommendaƟ on)
CondiƟ onal Use Permit ■
TransportaƟ on Demand
Management Plan ■
Amendments to Approved Sign
Program3 ■
Minor ExcepƟ ons ■
Specifi c Plan Amendments ■
SubstanƟ al Conformance
Change ■
Precise Development Plan
Review2 ■
Sign Plan 3 ■
Special Event Permits ■
Temporary Use Permits ■
Variance ■
InterpretaƟ ons ■
1 All decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. 2 Any subsequent amendment to the site plan shall be subject to the provisions of SecƟ on 5.2.5 below. 3 No public hearing is required.

5.2.1 Interpreta Ɵ on
Although every eff ort has been made to include provisions in this Speci fi c Plan that are clear, there may be a need to interpret provisions in light of specifi c and unusual condiƟ ons. When such interpretaƟ ons are necessary, the Director of Community Development shall be responsible for the interpreta Ɵ on of the provisions of the Specifi c Plan, with the right of appeal to the Planning Commission and City Council.

The Director of Community Development has the authority to interpret any provision of this NTVSP , consistent with the requirements of Sec Ɵ on 9172.24 InterpretaƟ on Procedures. Whenever the Director of Community Development determines that the meaning or applicability of any requirement is subject to interpretaƟ on, the Director of Community Development may issue an offi cial interpretaƟ on. When used in this NTVSP , the words “shall” and “must” are always mandatory. The word “should,” as used in the design standards secƟ on of this plan, is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.

It is not intended that this NTVSP interfere with, abrogate, or annul any easement, covenant, or other agreement to which the City is a party. In accordance with state law, the provisions of this NTVSP shall control over duplicaƟ ve and confl icƟ ng provisions of the Norwalk Municipal Code. In the event this NTVSP is silent as to a development standard or procedure, the provisions of the City’s zoning ordinance shall control. 53 Implementation
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan

5.2.2 Minor Excep Ɵ ons
The Minor Excep Ɵ ons procedure is established to
grant minor relief from development standards,
under limited circumstances, when the gran Ɵ ng of
such relief will provide for beƩ er design and func Ɵ on of the proposed structure, or addiƟ on to a structure.

The Director of Community Development or his/her
designee may approve a Minor ExcepƟ on or deviaƟ on
to the standards and land uses described herein,
provided the Director conducts appropriate review
under CEQA, if required, and makes the following
fi ndings:

1. The gran Ɵ ng of the Minor Excep Ɵ on will
result in design improvements, or there are
space or other restric Ɵ ons on the site which
preclude full compliance with Speci fi c Plan
requirements;

2. The gran Ɵ ng of the Minor ExcepƟ on, with any
condiƟ ons imposed, will not be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious
to the property or improvements in the
Specifi c Plan Area; and

3. The gran Ɵ ng of the Minor Excep Ɵ on will not
be contrary to the objec Ɵ ves of the Speci fi c
Plan.

Minor ExcepƟ ons may include:
 Building setback deviaƟ on – up to 10 percent.
 Height of fence or wall devia Ɵ on – up to 10
percent.
 ProjecƟ ons into required setbacks – up to 10
percent.
 Building height increase – up to 10 percent.
 ReducƟ on in o ff -street parking requirements
– up to 10 percent.
 A decrease of not more than 5 percent of
the total open space as provided from the
fi rst approved Site Plan Review.

DeviaƟ ons to NTVSP development standards in
excess of those cited in the subsec Ɵ on above as well
as changes to the NTVSP permi Ʃ ed uses listed in
the Development Standards sec Ɵ on shall require a
Specifi c Plan Amendment.

5.2.3 Speci fi c Plan Amendments
Amendments to the Speci fi c Plan shall be processed
in accordance with the applicaƟ on provisions of state
law provided in California Government Code secƟ ons
65450 et seq.

5.2.4 Condi Ɵ onal Use Permits
CondiƟ onal Use Permits shall be fi led and processed
per secƟ on 17.02.210 of the Norwalk Municipal Code.

5.2.5 Precise Development Plan Review
A Precise Development Plan Review applicaƟ on must
be reviewed and approved to implement any project
within this Speci fi c Plan in accordance with Chapter

17.02.205 of the City of Norwalk Municipal Code.

Subsequent modifi caƟ ons to the approved Site Plan
shall be processed administra Ɵ vely by the Director
of Community Development provided the changes
substanƟ ally conform to the approved Site Plan
(“SubstanƟ ally Conforming Changes”). Substan Ɵ ally
Conforming Changes are modifi caƟ ons and alteraƟ ons
to the type, loca Ɵ on, placement, and design of the
proposed structures and overall development within
the NTVSP that (i) do not result in an increase in
residenƟ al density, commercial square footage, and/
or overall development intensity and (ii) do not trigger a Minor Excep Ɵ on or Speci fi c Plan Amendment, as
defi ned above. Substan Ɵ ally Conforming Changes to
the approved Site Plan shall be considered ministerial
and are not appealable. Substan Ɵ ally conforming
changes should be construed liberally in the interest
of providing maximum fl exibility within the approved
NTVSP development envelope and associated
environmental impacts studied and disclosed in the
EIR.

5.2.6 Special Event Permits
A Special Event or Use Permit may be granted to allow
the occurrence of an event, acƟ vity, or use for a period of 4 or more days, but not exceeding 30 consecu Ɵ ve
days, and no more than 60 days in any calendar year.

Special Event Permits shall be fi led and processed as
an administraƟ ve Use Permit.

5.2.7 Temporary Use Permits
Temporary Use Permits shall be fi led and processed
in accordance with Chapter 17.04 of the Norwalk
Municipal Code.

City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Specifi c Plan54 Implementation

PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
City Council Agenda Report
December 3, 2024
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Theresa Devoy, City Clerk
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 24-1755 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-05 - TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE CITY’S DENSITY BONUS ORDINANCE AND UPDATE THE DEFINITION OF “FAMILY”
Background:

The City Council, at its November 19, 2024 meeting, introduced Ordinance No. 24-1755, which will update Norwalk Municipal Code §17.04.235 relating to Density Bonus in order to be in compliance with the requirements of State Density Bonus Law and consistent with the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. It will also modify the definition of “family” to conform to the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. This ordinance is now being presented for adoption. If adopted this evening, Ordinance No. 24-1755 will become effective on December 7, 2024.

Fiscal Impact:

N/A
Citizens Advised:

N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:

N/A

City Council December 3, 2024
Ordinance No. 24-1755 – Amending Title 17 – Bonus Density Page No. 2 1 0
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Recommended Action:

Staff recommends City Council:
a. adopt Ordinance No. 24-1755, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO DENSITY BONUS ORDINANCE AND UPDATE THE DEFINITION OF “FAMILY;” and b. Consider and find the project exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption).

Attachments:

Ordinance No. 24-1755
ORDINANCE NO. 24-1755
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17
(ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO

DENSITY BONUS ORDINANCE AND UPDATE THE DEFINITION OF
“FAMILY”
WHEREAS, the City of Norwalk (“City”) is a general law city, incorporated under the laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, the City adopts this Ordinance pursuant to the City’s general and police powers and property rights set forth under Government Code Sections 65850(a); and
WHEREAS, the City desires to amend Title 17 (“Zoning”) of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) to repeal Section 17.04.235 of Title 17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) and add a new Article V (“Supplemental Regulations”); a new Section 17.04.400 to be entitled “Density Bonus” of Chapter 17.04 (“Use Regulations”) as it relates to the requirements of State Density Bonus Law; amend Section 17.02.105 (“Review and Authority Table”) as it relates to the amendments to the City’s density bonus ordinance; and amend the City’s definition of “family” in Section 17.01.060 (“Definitions”); and WHEREAS, on October 23, 2024, the Planning Commission for the City of Norwalk (“Planning Commission”) conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider Zoning Text Amendment No. 24-05, and where after careful review of the evidence in the matter, it adopted Resolution 24-05 recommending the City Council of the City of Norwalk (“City Council”) approve the proposed Zone Text Amendment; and WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:

Section 1.The City Council for the City of Norwalk finds and declares that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporates said recitals fully into this Ordinance as substantive findings.

Section 2. Purpose. The purpose and intent of this Ordinance is as follows:

1. Updating the current review procedures which are inconsistent with State law. Currently, the density bonus ordinance requires discretionary review requirements with the Planning Commission and City Council. The City’s ordinance was revised with streamlines review procedures and requirements consistent with State Density Bonus Law requirements;

2. Expand the list of incentives/concessions, waivers, and reductions that developers are eligible for to increase housing development in compliance Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 2 of 30
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with State law. The proposed amendments also include a list of development standards that the City has the authority to approve or deny dependent upon the findings of the application;

3. The proposed amendments expand the eligibility criteria for projects to receive density bonuses. These uses include household income levels, commercial developments; student housing, senior housing, and 100 percent affordable or shared housing developments;

4. Minor text amendments will include adding references to State law density bonus percentage calculations, modifying the density bonus housing agreement requirements, and updating the definitions;

5. The proposed text amendment will clarify and streamline the application and review process by modifying the roles and procedures of the review authority to approve density bonus applications;

6. The proposed text amendment will modify the Review Authority Table to be consistent with the amendments to the density bonus ordinance as required by State Density Bonus Law; and

7. The proposed text amendment will modify the definition of “family” to ensure it does not exclude allowed uses, increases inclusivity, and alleviates discrimination from the existing definition.

Section 3. Finding. The proposed Zone Text Amendment will be in the public interest since it will enact and reflect the requirements of State Density Bonus Law and increase inclusivity by modifying the current definition of “Family.” Section 4. Approvals. The City Council of the City of Norwalk hereby approves Zone Text Amendment No. 24-05 amending Title 17 (Zoning) of the Norwalk Municipal Code as set forth in Exhibit “A” and incorporated within.

Section 5. Environmental. The City Council hereby finds and determines that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to “common sense” exception set forth in Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.

Section 6. Severability. If any section, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases may be declared unconstitutional or invalid.

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Section 7. Certification. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and shall cause this Ordinance to be published or posted as required by law.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of December 2024. ______________________________
MARGARITA L. RIOS
MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________

THERESA DEVOY, CMC

CITY CLERK
Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 4 of 30
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EXHIBIT “A”
ORDINANCE NO. 24-1755
Title 17 ZONING
Chapter 17.01 ADMINISTRATION
Article I. General Provisions and Definitions
“17.01.060 Definition of “Family.” The following definition was amended to read as follows and the remainder of the definitions shall remain unchanged:
"Family" means one or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a single dwelling unit, with common access to and common use of all living, kitchen and eating areas within the dwelling unit.

Chapter 17.02 APPROVAL PROCEDURES
Article I. Procedure, Hearing, Notices

17.02.105 The Density bonus application in the Review Authority Table was amended to read as follows and the remainder of the table shall remain unchanged:

Density bonus - Decision Appeal Appeal
Chapter 17.04 USE REGULATIONS
Article V. General Standards

17.04.400 The entirety of the current density bonus section is amended and replaced by the following section to read as follows:

A.Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to encourage the production of very low- , low-, and moderate-income housing units, senior citizens housing units, provisions of childcare facilities, student housing units, and donations of land in accordance with Government Code Sections 65915 through 65918, as may be amended from time to time ("State Density Bonus Law"). In enacting this section, it is also the intent of the City to facilitate the development of affordable housing and to implement the goals, objectives, and policies of the housing element of the City's General Plan.

B.Definitions. Whenever the following terms are used in this section, they shall have the meaning established:
"Affordable rent" as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50053(b).

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"Affordable sales price" means a sales price at which very low-, low-, or moderate- income households can qualify for the purchase of target units, calculated in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5 and the regulations adopted by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. “Base density” means the maximum allowable gross residential density permitted under this Title and the Land Use Element of the General Plan or any specific plan applicable to the proposed development, as of the date of application submittal by the applicant to the City. If the underlying zoning district is inconsistent with the base density allowed under the Land Use Element of the General Plan, the greater shall prevail.
“Base project” means the proposed housing development before any extra density is added through the State Density Bonus Law in accordance with all local regulations, without including any bonus units, concessions, or waivers. “Base unit” means only those units permitted by the underlying zoning regulations, excluding any units added through a density bonus awarded pursuant to this section or any other provisions of the Norwalk Municipal Code granting a greater density bonus.
“Commercial project” means a development that includes commercial uses like retail, office, or industrial spaces, and may also apply to mixed-use developments. "Concession" shall have the same meaning as the term "incentive" defined herein. "Density bonus" means a density increase of up to those percentages specified in the State Density Bonus Law above the otherwise maximum residential density under the applicable zoning designation on the date the application is deemed complete.
"Density bonus housing agreement" means a legally binding agreement between a developer of a housing development and the City, which ensures that the requirements of this section and the State Density Bonus Law are satisfied. The agreement shall establish, among other things, the number of target units, their size, location, terms and conditions of affordability, and production schedule. "Density bonus units" means those residential units granted pursuant to the provisions of this section that exceed the maximum residential density for the development site.

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"Housing cost" means the sum of actual or projected monthly payments for all of the following associated with for-sale target units: principal and interest on a mortgage loan, including any loan insurance fees, property taxes and assessments, fire and casualty insurance, property maintenance and repairs, home-owner association fees, and a reasonable allowance for utilities. "Housing development" means a construction project consisting of five or more residential units or lots, including single-family and multifamily units or lots, mixed- use developments, subdivision or common interest development as defined in Civil Code Section 4100, approved by the City and consists of residential units or unimproved residential lots, and either a project to substantially rehabilitate and convert an existing commercial building to residential use or the substantial rehabilitation of an existing multifamily dwelling as defined in Government Code Section 65863.4(h), where the result of the rehabilitation would be a net increase in available residential units. For the purpose of calculating a density bonus, the residential units shall be on contiguous sites that are the subject of one development application, but do not have to be based upon individual subdivision maps or parcels. “Housing development” does not mean to include an ADU or SB 9 unit to count towards the five or more residential units or lots requirement. "Incentive" means a regulatory incentive or concession as defined in Government Code Section 65915(k) that may include, but not be limited to, the reduction of site development standards or a modification of zoning code requirements, approval of mixed-use zoning in conjunction with the housing development, or any other regulatory incentive which would result in identifiable cost avoidance or reductions, that are offered in addition to a density bonus. "Low-income household" means a household whose income does not exceed the low-income limits applicable to Los Angeles County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 50079.5.
"Major transit stop" means an existing rail or bus rapid transit station, a ferry terminal served by either bus or rail transit services, or the intersection of two or more major bus routes that provide service intervals of 15 minutes or less during peak commute periods, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21064.3 and Government Code Section 65915(o)(3).
"Maximum residential density" means the maximum number of residential units permitted by the City's General Plan Land Use Element, applicable to the subject Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 7 of 30
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property at the time an application for the construction of a housing development is deemed complete by the City, excluding the additional density bonus units permitted by this section. If a range of density is permitted by the Land Use Element, maximum residential density shall mean the maximum allowable density within the range of density.
"Moderate income household" means a household whose income does not exceed the moderate-income limits applicable to Los Angeles County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 50093. "Senior citizen housing development" as defined in Civil Code Sections 51.3 and

51.12, or a mobile home park that limits residency based on age requirements for housing for older persons pursuant to Civil Code Section 798.76 or 799.5. “Shared housing building” means a residential or mixed-use structure, with five or more shared housing units and one or more common kitchens and dining areas designed for permanent residence of more than 30 days by its tenants. The kitchens and dining areas within the shared housing building shall be able to adequately accommodate all residents. If a local ordinance further restricts the attributes of a shared housing building beyond the requirements established in this section, the local definition shall apply to the extent that it does not conflict with the requirements of this section. A shared housing building may include other dwelling units that are not shared housing units, provided that those dwelling units do not occupy more than 25% of the floor area of the shared housing building. A shared housing building may include 100% shared housing units. "Target unit" means a dwelling unit within a housing development which will be reserved for sale or rent to, and affordable to, very low-, low-, or moderate-income households.
"Very low-income household" means a household whose income does not exceed the very low-income limits applicable to Los Angeles County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 50105.

C.Applicability. This section shall apply to all zoning districts where residential housing developments of five or more dwelling units are proposed and where the applicant proposes and agrees to provide qualifying affordable units in the threshold amounts specified in State Density Bonus Law such that the resulting Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 8 of 30
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density is beyond that which is permitted by the applicable zone. In such case, the City shall grant a density bonus, concessions and incentives, waivers and reductions as set forth in this section and the State Density Bonus Law.

D.Eligibility.

1.Except as set forth in subsection (D)(2), a housing development project shall be eligible for a density bonus, incentives and concessions, waivers, and reductions of development standards, and off-street parking ratios as set forth in this section.
a.Eligibility Requirements. The City shall grant one density bonus, the amount of which shall be specified per State Density Bonus Law as set forth in in subsection (F)(1), and, if requested by the applicant and consistent with the applicable requirements of this section, incentives and concessions, as set forth in subsection (G)(1), waivers or reductions of development standards, as set forth in subsections (G)(2) and (G)(3), and off-start parking ratios, as described in subsection (G)(3), to the applicant of a housing development when the applicant seeks and agrees to construct a housing development project that will, excluding any units permitted by the density bonus awarded pursuant to this section, contain at least any one of the following:
i.Very Low-income Units. 5% of the total units of the housing development, including shared housing building development, for rental or for-sale to very low-income households;
ii.Low-income Units. 10% of the total units of the housing development, including shared housing building development, for rental or for-sale to low-income households;
iii.Moderate-income Units (Applies Only to For-sale Projects). For for- sale projects only, 10% of the total units of the housing development are allocated to be for-sale units for moderate-income households and are available to all members of the public; iv.Senior Citizen Housing Development. A senior citizen housing development, including a shared housing building development meeting these criteria;
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v.Special Development Types. 10% of the total units of a housing development for transitional foster youth, as defined in Education Code Section 66025.9; disabled veterans, as defined in
Government Code Section 18541; or homeless persons, as
defined in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11301 et seq.). These units are all subject to a recorded affordability restriction of 55 years and an affordability level of very low-income units;
vi.Student Housing. 20% of the total units in a student housing development are for low-income students and meet the
requirements as set forth in Government Code Section
65915(b)(1)(F); or
vii.100% Affordable Housing Developments or Shared Housing Development. 100% of all units in the development or shared housing development, including total units and density bonus units, but exclusive of a manager’s unit or units, are for low-income households, except that up to 20% of the units in the development, including total units and density bonus units, may be for moderate- income households
b.Land Donation. If an applicant for a tentative subdivision map, parcel map, or other residential development approval donates land to the City that satisfies the requirements of the State Density Bonus Law, then the applicant is entitled to a density bonus as set forth in the State Density Bonus Law.
c.Housing Development with Childcare Facility. If an applicant agrees to construct a housing development that qualifies for a density bonus and includes a childcare facility in compliance with the requirements of State Density Bonus Law, then the applicant shall be entitled to either an additional density bonus or an additional incentive as set forth in the State Density Bonus Law. The childcare facility shall remain in operation for at least the same amount of time which the density bonus units are required to remain affordable per Government Code Section 65915(c).
d.Condominium Conversions. If an applicant converts apartments to a condominium project as set forth in Government Code Section Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 10 of 30
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65915.5, then the applicant shall be entitled to either a density bonus or additional incentives as set forth in the State Density Bonus Law.

2.Replacement and/or Demolition Requirements. Notwithstanding subsection (D)(1), an applicant shall be ineligible for a density bonus or any other incentives or concessions if the housing development is proposed on any property that includes a parcel or parcels on which rental dwelling units are (1) located if the dwelling units have been vacated or demolished in the five- year period preceding the application, have been subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of low- or very low-income; (2) subject to any other form of rent or price control per State law; or, (3) occupied by low- or very low-income households, unless the proposed housing development replaces those units, and either of the following applies:
a.The proposed housing development, inclusive of the units replaced pursuant to this section, contains affordable units at the percentages set forth in subsection (D)(1)(a): or
b.Each unit in the development, exclusive of a manager’s unit or units, is affordable to, and occupied by, either a low- or very low-income household.

3.Definition of “Replace.” For the purposes of this section, “replace” shall be defined pursuant to Government Code Section 65915(c)(3)(B).

E.Procedures. The following procedures provide the process for obtaining approval of a density bonus, incentive and concession, waiver or reduction of a development standard, or revised off-street parking standard.

1.Application Material Requirements. An application for a density bonus, incentive and concession, waiver or reduction of a development standard, or revised off-street parking standard pursuant to this section shall be submitted as part of the submittal of any formal request for approval of a housing development. The application shall include the following information:
a.A brief description of the proposed housing development demonstrating that the project meets the thresholds for State Density Bonus Law.

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b.A vicinity map and site plan showing the total number of units, number and location of target units, and number and location of proposed density bonus units, and the driveways and off-street parking layout. c.The calculations showing the maximum base density, the percentage of affordable units and identification of the income level at which such units will be restricted, additional market rate units resulting from the density bonus, and resulting unit per acre density. The density bonus units shall not be included in determining the percentage of base units that qualify a project for a density bonus pursuant to State law. d.If the applicant is requesting an additional density bonus, documentation showing that the housing development is eligible for the additional density bonus in accordance with Government Code Section 65915(v)(1).
e.The zoning and General Plan designations and assessor's parcel number(s) of the project site.
f.A description of all dwelling units existing on the site in the five-year period preceding the date of submittal of the application and identification of any units rented in the five-year period subject to any form of rent control through a public entity’s valid exercise of its police power or subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law restricting rents to levels affordable to households of low- or very-low income. g.If dwelling units on the site are currently rented, income and household size of all residents of currently occupied units, if known. If any dwelling units on the site were rented in the five-year period but are not currently rented, the income and household size of residents occupying the dwelling units when the site contained the maximum number of dwelling units, if known. If the incomes of the persons and families that currently or formerly occupy the dwelling units is not known, it shall be presumed that low-income and very low income renter households occupied these units in the same proportion of low-income and very-low income renter households to all renter households within the jurisdiction, as determined by the most recently available data from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy database.

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h.Requests for Incentives and Concessions. Incentives are those defined by State Density Bonus Law. The number of incentives that may be requested shall be based upon the number the applicant is entitled to pursuant to the Incentives and Concessions listed in Table 17.04.400- 1 and in accordance with State Density Bonus Law.

Table 17.04.400-1 Request for Incentives and Concessions Incentives/
Concessions
Percentage of Base
Units, Very Low-
Income
Percentage of Base
Units, Low-Income
Percentage of Base
Units, Moderate-
Income
1 5 – 9 10 – 16 10 – 19
2 10 – 14 17 – 23 20 – 29
3 15 – 99 24 – 79 30 – 44
5 100; or 80 percent very
low income and 20
percent moderate
income
100; or 80 percent very
low income and 20
percent moderate
income
45 or greater
The applicant may be entitled to the additional incentives and concessions as provided in subsection (G)(1)(b) which shall be approved by-right through the Director’s review. The application shall include the following minimum information for each incentive requested:
i.A description of any requested incentives and concessions; ii.Except where mixed-use zoning is proposed as a concession or incentive, reasonable documentation to show that any requested incentive will result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable housing costs or rents; and
iii.If approval of mixed-use zoning is proposed, reasonable documentation that nonresidential land uses will reduce the costs of the housing development, that the nonresidential land uses are compatible with the housing development and the existing or planned development in the area where the proposed housing development will be located, and that mixed-use zoning will provide for affordable housing costs and rents.
i.Requests for Waivers or Reductions. If the applicant is requesting a waiver or reduction of any development standards, the applicant shall Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 13 of 30
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provide a brief explanation of the waiver or reduction requested and evidence that the development standard for which the waiver or reduction is requested will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of the project with the density bonus incentives requested.

The City shall not limit the number of waivers or reductions allowed in accordance with State Density Bonus Law. A waiver or reduction of development standards may include, but is not limited to, height, setbacks, FAR, open space, and/or off-street parking requirements. j.Request for Off-Street Parking Reduction. If a housing development is eligible for a density bonus pursuant to State Density Bonus Law, the applicant may request a reduction of the on-site vehicular off-street parking ratio requirements listed in Table 17.04.400-2, and as specified in Government Code Section 65915(p).

Table 17.04.400-2 Request for Off-Street Parking Reduction Qualifications Maximum Off-Street Parking
Ratio
All housing developments eligible for a density bonus
1 space for each 0–1-bedroom unit

1.5 spaces for each 2–3-bedroom unit

2.5 spaces for each 4+ bedroom unit
Projects located within one-half mile of a major transit stop (unobstructed access) and meeting any of the following
minimum criteria:
•At least 11% of base units set aside for very low-income households; or
•At least 20% of base units set aside for lower-income
households.

0.5 spaces per unit
Projects located within one-half mile of a major transit stop (unobstructed access) and at least 40% of base units set aside for moderate-income households.

0.5 spaces per bedroom
Projects where 100% of the units are set aside affordable (up to 20% moderate-income, others low-income) and meeting any of the following criteria:
•Located with one-half mile of a major transit stop
(unobstructed access);
•Senior citizen housing development that has either
paratransit service or unobstructed access, within one- half mile of a fixed bus route that operates at least eight times per day;
•Supportive housing development for people with
disabilities; or
•Special needs housing development that has either
paratransit service or unobstructed access, within one- No off-street parking required
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Table 17.04.400-2 Request for Off-Street Parking Reduction Qualifications Maximum Off-Street Parking
Ratio
half mile of a fixed bus route that operates at least eight times per day.

An applicant may request these off-street parking reductions in addition to the incentives and waivers permitted by Government Code Sections 65915(p)(2) and 65915(p)(3). The application shall include a table showing off-street parking ratios required by the Norwalk Municipal Code, off-street parking proposed under State Density Bonus Law, Government Code Section 65915(p) (or other statute) under which the project qualifies for the off-street parking reduction, and reasonable documentation that the project is eligible for the requested off-street parking reduction.
k.Request for a Childcare Facility. If a density bonus or concession is requested for a childcare facility, the application shall include all of the following:
i.Provide documentation demonstrating that the operator of the childcare facility is in compliance with all licensing and operating requirements of State law;
ii.The location and square footage of the childcare facilities; and iii.As required in Government Code Section 65915(h),
documentation that (1) the childcare facility shall remain in operation for a period of time that is as long as or longer than the period of time during which the density bonus units are required to remain affordable, and (2) of the children who attend the childcare facility, the children of very-low-income households, low- income households, or families of moderate-income shall equal a percentage that is equal to or greater than the percentage of dwelling units that are required for very-low-income households, low-income households, or families of moderate-income.
l.Request for Condominium Conversion. If a density bonus or concession is requested for a condominium conversion, the application Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 15 of 30
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must adhere to the requirements in Government Code Section 65915.5.
m.Request for Density Bonus for Commercial Development. i.When an applicant proposes to construct a commercial
development and has entered into a partnered housing agreement approved by the Director, the Director shall grant a commercial development bonus mutually agreed upon by the developer and the City. The commercial development may be granted incentives and concessions which may include but are limited to the Incentives in Table 17.04.400-3 pursuant to Government Code Section 65915.7(b).

Table 17.04.400-3 Request for Density Bonus for Commercial Development Qualification Incentive and Concession Option
Maximum 20% increase of allowable intensity in the General Plan
Maximum 20% increase of allowable FAR
Maximum 20% increase of height
Maximum 20% reduction of FAR
Eligible for a commercial
development bonus
Other exception to development standard
The commercial development bonus shall not include a reduction or waiver in fees imposed on the commercial development to provide affordable housing.
ii.The partnered housing agreement shall include all of the following provisions: (1) The housing development shall be located either:
(i) on the site of the commercial development; or (ii) on a site within the City that is within one-half mile of a major transit stop, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21155, and is in close proximity to public amenities, including schools and employment centers; (2) at least 30% of the total units in the housing development shall be made available at an affordable ownership cost or affordable rent to low-income households, or at least 15% of the total units in the housing development shall be made Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 16 of 30
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available at an affordable ownership cost or affordable rent to very low-income households; and, (3) the commercial development must agree either to directly build the affordable housing units, donate a site consistent with the requirements of Government Code Section 65915(g) for the development of the affordable housing units, or make a cash payment to the housing developer for the development of the affordable housing units.
iii.An approved partnered housing agreement shall be described in the City’s Housing Element annual report as required by Government Code Section 65915.7(k).
n.Request for Land Donations. If a density bonus or concession is requested for a land donation, the application shall include all of the following:
i.The location of the land to be dedicated;
ii.Proof of site control; and
iii.Documentation that each of the requirements in Government Code Section 65915(g) can be made.
o.Fees. The applicant shall submit a fee in an amount set by resolution of the City Council for the processing of the density bonus application and the density bonus housing agreement, which includes a reimbursement for time expended by City to staff to review said application.
p.Application for Density Bonus Housing Agreement. Once the land use permits and entitlements have been approved in accordance with this subsection, the applicant shall enter and execute into a Density Bonus Housing Agreement pursuant to subsection H.

2.Application Review Process and Criteria. An application for a density bonus, incentive and concession, waiver, or reduction pursuant to this section shall be processed as part of the application for the underlying housing development.
a.Discretionary Approval Authority Retained of the Base Project. The granting of a density bonus or incentive shall not be interpreted in or of Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 17 of 30
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itself to require a general plan amendment, zoning change, or other discretionary approval. If an incentive would otherwise trigger one of these approvals, when it is granted as an incentive, no general plan amendment, zoning change or other discretionary approval is required.

However, if the base project without the incentive requires a general plan amendment, zoning change, or other discretionary approval, the City retains its discretion regarding the approval of the base project. b.Concurrent Processing of Application. The application for a density bonus and a housing development shall be processed concurrently with all other applications in accordance with an applicable State law, including, but not limited to, the Permit Streamlining Act, required for the housing development. The City shall provide to an applicant a letter that identifies project issues of concern and the procedures for compliance with this section at the time the City notifies an applicant on the decision and status of the application for the base project. c.Incentives and Concessions. For housing developments requesting an incentive or concession not included within the menu of by-right incentives or concessions listed in subsection (G)(1), the Director shall grant the concession or incentive requested by the applicant unless the Director makes any of the following written findings, based upon substantial evidence, pursuant to Government Code Section 65915(d)(1):
i.The concession or incentive does not result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable housing costs specified in Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5, including:
(1) for extremely low-income households, the product of 30% times 30% of the area median income adjusted for family size appropriate for the unit; (2) for very low-income households, the product of 30% times 50% of the area median income adjusted for family size appropriate for the unit; (3) for lower-income households whose gross incomes exceed the maximum income for very low-income households and do not exceed 70% of the area median income adjusted for family size, the product of 30% times 70% of the area median income adjusted for family size appropriate for the unit. In addition, for any lower-income household with a gross income that equals or exceeds 70% of Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 18 of 30
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the area median income adjusted for family size, it shall be optional for any state or local funding agency to require that affordable housing cost not exceed 30% of the gross income of the household; and (4) for moderate-income households,
affordable housing cost shall not be less than 28% of the gross income of the household, nor exceed the product of 35% times 110% of area median income adjusted for family size
appropriate for the unit. In addition, for any moderate-income household with a gross income that exceeds 110% of the area median income adjusted for family size, it shall be optional for any state or local funding agency to require that affordable housing cost not exceed 35% of the gross income of the
household;
ii.The concession or incentive does not result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for rents for the targeted units as specified in Government Code Section 65915(c), including:
(1) the rent for at least 20% of the units in the development shall be set at an affordable rent as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5 and subsection (E)(2)(c)(i), and (2) the rent for the remaining units in the development shall be set at an amount consistent with the maximum rent levels for lower- income households, as determined by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee;
iii.The concession or incentive would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health and safety or on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid this specific, adverse impact without rendering the development unaffordable to low-income and moderate-income households.

As defined in Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(2), this includes a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete, where the following shall not constitute a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety: (1) inconsistency with the zoning ordinance or general plan land use designation, and (2) the eligibility to claim Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 19 of 30
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a welfare exemption under Revenue and Taxation Code Section 214(g); or
iv.The concession or incentive would be contrary to state or federal law.
d.Waivers or Reductions. For housing developments requesting a waiver or reduction pursuant to subsection (G)(2), the Director shall grant the waiver or reduction if the development will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of a housing development permitted in subsection F, or with the concessions or incentives permitted in subsection G. Notwithstanding, the Director shall not be required to grant a waiver or reduction as required by Government Code Section 65915(e)(1), which states that in no case may a city apply any development standard that will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of a development meeting the criteria of subsection (D)(1)(a) at the densities or with the concessions or incentives permitted by this subsection. Additionally, subject to Government Code Section 65915(e)(3), a housing development that receives a waiver from any maximum controls on density pursuant to Government Code Section(f)(3)(D)(ii) shall only be eligible for a waiver or reduction of development standards as provided in Government Code
Section(d)(2)(D), unless the city, county, or city and county agrees to additional waivers or reductions of development standards. An applicant may submit to the city a proposal for the waiver or reduction of development standards that will physically preclude the construction of a development meeting the criteria of subdivision (D)(1)(a) at the densities or with the concessions or incentives permitted under this section and may request a meeting with the city. If a court finds that the refusal to grant a waiver or reduction of development standards is in violation of this section, the court shall award the plaintiff reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of suit. This subsection shall not be interpreted to require the city to waive or reduce development standards if the waiver or reduction would have a specific, adverse impact, as defined in Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(2), which refers to a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete. The following shall not constitute a specific, adverse Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 20 of 30
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impact upon public health or safety: (1) inconsistency with the zoning ordinance or general plan land use designation, and (2) eligibility to claim a welfare exemption under Revenue and Taxation Code Section 214(g). This subsection shall not be interpreted to require the city to waive or reduce development standards that would adversely impact any real property listed in the California Register of Historical Resources or grant any waiver or reduction that would be contrary to state or federal laws.

F.Density Bonus.

1.Eligible Applicants. An eligible applicant that meets all of the requirements in section E and the requirements of State Density Bonus Law not specified herein may seek a density bonus in the amounts set forth in this section and in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsection E. Applicants may request a lesser percentage of density increase than that which is available for a housing development under this section, including, but not limited to, no increase in density; however, the City shall not be required to similarly reduce the number of units required to be dedicated pursuant to this section and Government Code Section 65915(b).

2.Determining Density Bonus Percentage. The number of density bonus units granted shall be in accordance with State Density Bonus Law as provided in Table 17.04.400-4.

Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 21 of 30
Table 17.04.400-4 Determining Density Bonus Percentage
Base Project
Set Aside 1
Very Low
Income Low Income Moderate
Income 2
Land
Donation
Senior
Housing 3
Foster Youth,
Disabled
Vets,
Homeless 4
Student
Housing 5
5% 20% — — — 20% — —
6% 22.5% — — — 20% — —
7% 25% — — — 20% — —
8% 27.5% — — — 20% — —
9% 30% — — — 20% — —
10% 32.5% 20% 5% 15% 20% 20% —
11% 35% 21.5% 6% 16% 20% 20% —
12% 38.75% 23% 7% 17% 20% 20% —
13% 42.5% 24.5% 8% 18% 20% 20% —
14% 46.25% 26% 9% 19% 20% 20% —
15% 50% 27.5% 10% 20% 20% 20% —
16% 50% 29% 11% 21% 20% 20% —
17% 50% 30.5% 12% 22% 20% 20% —
18% 50% 32% 13% 23% 20% 20% —
19% 50% 33.5% 14% 24% 20% 20% —
20% 50% 35% 15% 25% 20% 20% 35%
21% 50% 38.75% 16% 26% 20% 20% 35%
22% 50% 42.5% 17% 27% 20% 20% 35%
Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 22 of 30
Table 17.04.400-4 Determining Density Bonus Percentage
Base Project
Set Aside 1
Very Low
Income Low Income Moderate
Income 2
Land
Donation
Senior
Housing 3
Foster Youth,
Disabled
Vets,
Homeless 4
Student
Housing 5
23% 50% 46.25% 18% 28% 20% 20% 35%
24% 50% 50% 19% 29% 20% 20% 35%
25% 50% 50% 20% 30% 20% 20% 35%
26% 50% 50% 21% 31% 20% 20% 35%
27% 50% 50% 22% 32% 20% 20% 35%
28% 50% 50% 23% 33% 20% 20% 35%
29% 50% 50% 24% 34% 20% 20% 35%
30% 50% 50% 25% 35% 20% 20% 35%
31% 50% 50% 26% 35% 20% 20% 35%
32% 50% 50% 27% 35% 20% 20% 35%
33% 50% 50% 28% 35% 20% 20% 35%
34% 50% 50% 29% 35% 20% 20% 35%
35% 50% 50% 30% 35% 20% 20% 35%
36% 50% 50% 31% 35% 20% 20% 35%
37% 50% 50% 32% 35% 20% 20% 35%
38% 50% 50% 33% 35% 20% 20% 35%
39% 50% 50% 34% 35% 20% 20% 35%
40% 50% 50% 35% 35% 20% 20% 35%
Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 23 of 30
Table 17.04.400-4 Determining Density Bonus Percentage
Base Project
Set Aside 1
Very Low
Income Low Income Moderate
Income 2
Land
Donation
Senior
Housing 3
Foster Youth,
Disabled
Vets,
Homeless 4
Student
Housing 5
41% 50% 50% 38.75% 35% 20% 20% 35%
42% 50% 50% 42.5% 35% 20% 20% 35%
43% 50% 50% 46.25% 35% 20% 20% 35%
44% 50% 50% 50% 35% 20% 20% 35%
100% 6 80% 80% 80% 35% 20% 20% 35%
Footnote:
1 Affordable unit percentage is calculated excluding the units added by density bonus. 2 Only applies to for-sale units, not to rental units.
3 No affordable units are required. The bonus is limited to 20% of the number of senior units only if no units are affordable. 4 The bonus is equal to 25% of the number of units designated for very low income foster youth, disabled veterans, and the homeless. 5 The bonus is equal to 40% of the number of student housing units designated for low-income students. 6 Applies when 100% of the total units (other than manager’s units) are restricted to very low, low, and moderate income (maximum 20% moderate). If the project is within one-half mile of a major transit stop, there is no maximum density.

ATTACHMENT 1
Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 24 of 30

3.Calculating Density Bonus. To calculate the maximum allowable density for the housing development, any fractional unit that results from the density calculation shall be rounded up to the next whole number when the fraction is 0.5 or greater, and rounded down when the fraction is less than 0.5. In accordance with Government Code Section 65915, any fractional units resulting from applying a density bonus shall be rounded up to the next whole number to ensure the project will achieve the maximum number of units.

Except where a housing development is eligible for an additional bonus pursuant to Government Code Section 65915(v), each housing development is entitled to only one density bonus. If a housing development qualifies for a density bonus under more than one category, the applicant shall identify the category under which the density bonus is requested to be granted.

4.Calculating Base Density. The calculations for determining base density shall be calculated as provided for in the State Density Bonus Law.

G.Incentives and Concessions, Waivers and Reductions, and Reduced Off-Street Parking Ratios.

1.Incentives and Concessions.
a.Per State Density Bonus Law. An applicant for a density bonus pursuant to subsection D as set forth in Government Code Section 65915(b) shall receive the incentives and concessions as set forth in Government Code Section 65915(d)(2) in accordance with the procedures as set forth in subsection E.
b.Available for Director’s Review and Approval. The Director may approve the following incentives and concessions without following the procedures set forth in subsection E in accordance with Government Code Section 65915(d)(1):
i.A 10% or greater reduction in the front yard setback; ii.A 10% or greater reduction in the side yard setback of one side; iii.A 10% or greater reduction in the rear yard setback; iv.A 10% or greater reduction in the total shared open space required;
Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 25 of 30
v.A 10% or greater reduction in private open space for up to 50% of the units; or
vi.An additional story, not to exceed 10 feet of the total project height, or other regulatory concessions that result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable housing costs, or for rents for the affordable units as specified in Government Code Section 65915.
c.Financial Incentives. This section does not limit or require the provision of direct financial incentives for the housing development, including the provision of publicly owned land, by the city, county, or city and county, or the waiver of fees or dedication requirements as set forth in Government Code Section 65915(l).

2.Waivers and Reductions.
a.An applicant for a density bonus pursuant to subsection E as set forth in Government Code Section 65915(e) may request a waiver or reduction of development standards that will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of a development at the densities or with the concessions or incentives permitted in this section. The applicant shall demonstrate that the requested waiver or reduction will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of a development meeting the criteria of this section.
b.The proposal for the waiver or reduction of development standards pursuant to this section shall neither reduce or increase the number of incentives or concessions to which the applicant is entitled in subsection (G)(1) as set forth in Government Code Section 65915(d). c.A housing development that receives a waiver from any maximum controls on density pursuant to Government Code Section 65915(f)(3)(d)(ii) shall only be eligible for a waiver or reduction of development standards as provided in Government Code Sections (d)(2)(D) and 65915(f)(3)(d)(ii) unless the City agrees to additional waivers or reductions of development standards
Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 26 of 30

3.Reduced Off-Street Parking Ratios. An eligible project shall be entitled to the off-street parking ratio incentives as provided subsection E in accordance with Government Code Section 65915(p).

H.Density Bonus Housing Agreement.

1.The entry into and execution of the density bonus housing agreement shall be a condition of the applicant and consistent with Government Code Section 65915(c), which sets forth a binding affordable housing agreement, the conditions and guidelines provided below to be met in the implementation of State Density Bonus Law, and ensures compliance with all provisions of this section. The density bonus housing agreement shall establish specific compliance standards and remedies available to the City upon failure by the applicant to comply with State Density Bonus Law, this section or the affordable housing agreement. The density bonus housing agreement shall be recorded at the applicant's cost as a restriction running with the land on the parcel or parcels on which the target units will be constructed.

2.The terms of a draft density bonus housing agreement shall be reviewed, revised as appropriate, and approved by the Director and the City Attorney.

3.Following execution of the density bonus housing agreement by the applicant and the City, the completed density bonus housing agreement, or memorandum thereof, shall be recorded. The conditions contained in the density bonus housing agreement shall be filed and recorded on the parcel or parcels designated for the construction of target units as a condition of the discretionary approval for the underlying housing development, final map approval, or, where a map is not being processed, prior to issuance of building permits for such parcels or units. The density bonus housing agreement shall be binding upon all future owners and successors in interest for this property, which is the subject of the housing development application.

4.Senior Housing Developments Only.
a.The applicant shall enter into a restrictive covenant with the City in a form approved by the Director and the City Attorney, to be executed by the City Manager, to require that the housing development be operated as “housing for older persons” consistent with state and federal fair Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 27 of 30
housing laws and as set forth in Government Code Sections (c)(1)(A) and (c)(2).
b.The executed density bonus housing agreement shall be recorded against the housing development prior to final or parcel map approval, or, where a map is not being processed, prior to issuance of building permits for the housing development. The agreement shall be binding on all future owners and successors in interest.

5.Required Information for All Density Bonus Housing Agreements. The density bonus housing agreement shall include the following information:
a.A description of the property;
b.The total number of units proposed within the housing development, including the number of target units;
c.A description of the household income group to be accommodated by the housing development, and the standards for determining the corresponding affordable rent or affordable sales price and housing cost;
d.The length of affordability of the property;
e.The location, unit sizes (square feet), and number of bedrooms of target units;
f.The affordable unit design and appearance;
g.Tenure of use restrictions for target units of at least 30 years; h.A schedule for completion and occupancy of target units; i.A description of any additional incentive being provided by the City; j.A description of remedies for breach of the agreement by either party (the City may identify tenants or qualified purchasers as third-party beneficiaries under the agreement); and
k.Other provisions to ensure implementation and compliance with this section.

Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 28 of 30

6.For for-sale housing developments, the affordable housing agreement shall require that the initial purchasers of those for-sale units that qualified the applicant for the receipt of the density bonus, incentive, waiver, or off-street parking reduction are persons and families of low- or moderate-income, as applicable, or if any for-sale unit is not purchased by an income-qualified household within 180 days after the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, then the unit(s) must be sold pursuant to a contract that satisfies the requirements of Revenue and Taxation Code Section 402.1(a)(10) to a qualified non-profit housing corporation as defined in State Density Bonus Law and that the units are offered at an affordable housing cost, as that cost is defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5; and shall contain other relevant provisions approved by the City Attorney. The density bonus housing agreement shall provide for the following conditions governing the initial sale and use of target units during the applicable use restriction period:
a.Target units shall, upon initial sale, be sold to and occupied by eligible very low-, low-, or, in the case of a condominium, moderate-income households at an affordable sales price and housing cost, or to qualified senior citizen residents (i.e., maintained as senior citizen housing). b.The initial purchaser of each target unit shall execute a lien, an instrument, or agreement, approved by the City Attorney, restricting the sale of the target unit in accordance with this section during the applicable use restriction period. Such lien, instrument, or agreement shall be recorded against the parcel containing the target unit and shall contain the following provisions as the City may require to ensure continued compliance with this section and the State Density Bonus Law:
i.Provisions for recording restrictions against individual units as the affordable units are sold in the future;
ii.Procedures for selecting initial buyers, verifying incomes, determining affordable housing cost, and ensuring that buyers sign, and are aware of, required restrictions; and
iii.Mechanism for terminating the master developer agreement once homebuyer restrictions are recorded.

Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 29 of 30

7.For rental housing developments, the affordable housing agreement shall require the continued affordability of all rental units that qualified the applicant for the receipt of the density bonus, incentive, waiver, or off-street parking reduction for a minimum of 55 years or a longer period of time if required by the construction or mortgage financing assistance program, mortgage insurance program, or rental subsidy program. The rental housing agreement may be drafted as a long-term agreement that will apply to successive owners of the development. Rents for the low-income density bonus units shall be set at an affordable rent as defined in State Density Bonus Law. The density bonus housing agreement shall provide for the following conditions governing the use of target units during the use restriction period:
a.The rules and procedures for qualifying tenants, establishing affordable rent, filling vacancies, and the proper management and maintenance of target units for qualified tenants;
b.Provisions requiring owners to verify tenant incomes and maintain books and records to demonstrate compliance with this section; and c.Provisions requiring owners to submit an annual report to the City, which includes the name, address, and income of each person occupying target units, and which identifies the bedroom size and monthly rent or cost of each target unit.

I.Development and Design Standards.

1.Affordable units shall be constructed concurrently with market rate units and shall be integrated into the project. Any required building permits and final inspections or certificates of occupancy shall be issued concurrently for the market rate units and for any affordable units that qualified the project for a density bonus, incentive, waiver, or reduction so that the affordable units comprise the required percentage of total units.

2.Affordable units shall be of equal design and quality as the market rate units.

Exteriors, including architecture and elevations, and floor plans of the affordable units shall be similar to the market rate units. Interior finishes and amenities may differ from those provided in the market rate units, but neither the workmanship nor the products may be of substandard or inferior quality as determined by the Building Official.

Ordinance No. 24-1755 Page 30 of 30

3.To comply with fair housing laws, the number of bedrooms in the affordable units shall be proportional with the mix of market rate units. In mixed-income buildings, the occupants of the affordable units shall have the same access to the common entrances and areas, off-street parking, and amenities of the project as the occupants of the market rate housing units, and the affordable units shall be located throughout the building and not isolated on one floor or to an area on a specific floor.

4.Off-Street Parking standards shall be modified as allowable under Government Code Section 65915(p) and anything beyond those standards shall be considered a request for an incentive.

J.Interpretation. If any portion of this section conflicts with State Density Bonus Law or other applicable State law, State law shall supersede this section. Any ambiguities in this section shall be interpreted to be consistent with State Density Bonus Law. Statutory references in this section include successor provisions.” City Council Agenda Report
December 3, 2024
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Jana Stuard, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Jennifer Hernandez, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 24-60 – APPROVING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

INTERAGENCY MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING TEMPLATE
Background:

On March 10, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act, (“ARPA”) into law.

Included in the ARPA legislation was the State and Local Fiscal Recovery funds, which were purposed to support state and local governments as they navigated through the impacts of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

Local governments received ARPA funding based on population size from 2019 population data, consistent with the allocation formula used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Block Grant Program. As a result, the City of Norwalk received $28,046,746 in ARPA funding. Requirements and eligible uses of ARPA funds were outlined by the U.S. Department of Treasury, detailing the guidelines by which recipients are required to abide by in order to maintain compliance. Using this guide, the City identified 25 projects by which estimated project budgets were developed to account for the entire ARPA amount received.

In addition to identifying eligible uses and requirements, the U.S. Department of Treasury also stipulated strict regulatory timelines for use of ARPA funding, which require all recipients to obligate their funding no later than December 31, 2024, and expend all funds by December 31, 2026. The Treasury defines obligation of funds as an order placed for property and services and entry into contracts, subawards, and similar transactions that require payment. As of the last reporting cycle for the calendar-quarter ending September 30, 2024, the City has obligated $21,760,443 of its ARPA funds, leaving approximately $6.2 million in unobligated ARPA funding.

All obligations and expenditures made to-date have been towards eligible uses and have provided the City with enhanced security technology at parks and City facilities, upgrades to the

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City’s Cable TV programming and Emergency Operations Center, ventilation upgrades at City facilities, support the cost of staff, and the ability to provide streamlined services to the community. Furthermore, due to the impacts to revenues on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City utilized $10 million in ARPA funds as revenue replacement in the span of three years.

Revenue replacement funds were used to fund the continuity of the City’s vital services, primarily in Public Safety and daily operations.

Analysis:

To ensure the City meets the obligation deadline of December 31, 2024, staff is recommending the use of Interagency Memorandum of Understandings (“IMOU”). An IMOU is an arrangement between departments and agencies within a recipient’s own government to execute specific projects or deliver services. An IMOU outlines the conditions and sets forth specific requirements each entity must abide by in order to utilize funding accurately. The U.S. Department of Treasury has authorized the use of IMOUs as a means of obligating ARPA funds in order to allow agencies the ability to meet the regulatory obligation deadline.

If approved by the City Council, IMOUs will be entered into between the City and specific departments within the City who have outstanding unobligated ARPA funds and are unable to obligate their funding ahead of the regulatory deadline. Each IMOU will outline the scope of work, timelines, compliance with all applicable regulations regarding procurement, and reporting requirements for each ARPA project and in accordance with ARPA requirements. A summary of departments being recommended to enter into an IMOU with are listed in Table 1 below.

Table 1: IMOU Department Summary
City
Department
ARPA Expenditure
Category Project IMOU Obligation
Amount
Public Health
Project No. 1.7C1219
Enhanced Public
Communication Efforts
$68,283
Communications
Public Health
Project No. 1.7C5219
Cable Equipment
Upgrades
$52,331
Public Health
Project No. 1.7C6219
Emergency Operations
Center Upgrades
$20,586
Public Safety
Public Health
Project No. 1.7C8219
Security & Safety
Improvements at City Hall
$188,607
Negative Economic
Impacts
Project No. 2.15219
Affordable Housing Fund $3,850,475Community
Development Negative Economic
Impacts
Project No. 2.360219
Wayfinding Signage $164,550
Total $4,344,832
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The proposed IMOUs for the projects listed above will obligate approximately $4.3 million of the remaining $6.2 in unobligated ARPA funds. The remaining approximately $1.9 million will be obligated towards the cost of eligible staff time through December 31, 2026.

IMOUs between the City and listed departments above will serve as a means of obligating ARPA funding only, each department is still responsible for implementing and completing their respective projects. Approval of IMOUs will provide City departments with flexibility to procure and implement their ARPA-funded projects without the initial timeline constraints imposed by ARPA regulations.

Fiscal Impact:

The recommended action is for approval of the IMOUs only, any necessary budget adjustments will be incorporated and presented to the City Council for consideration as part of the City’s annual Mid-Year adjustment to account for actual costs through December 31, 2024, and in accordance with ARPA requirements.

Citizens Advised:

N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:

The recommended actions will further the City’s 2023 Strategic Plan Goal 3 Create and Sustain a Resilient and Economically Prosperous City.

Recommended Action:

Staff recommends City Council to:
a. adopt Resolution No. 24-60, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

NORWALK APPROVING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN INTERAGENCY
MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING TEMPLATE; and
b. authorize the City Manager to execute Interagency Memorandums of Understanding between the City and the Communications, Community Development, and Public Safety Departments, on behalf of the City, in forms approved by the City Attorney.

Attachments:

Resolution No. 24-60
RESOLUTION NO. 24-60

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN INTERAGENCY MEMORANDUMS OF

UNDERSTANDING TEMPLATE
WHEREAS, the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) provided $28,046,746 million to the City from the Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Fund (“SLFRF”), which consists of the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (“CLFRF”) (hereinafter, collectively, called “ARPA funding”); and WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Treasury outlines the specific requirements for use of ARPA funding, requiring recipients to obligate funding by December 31, 2024; and WHEREAS, use of an Interagency Memorandum of Understanding between the City and various internal departments is an allowable mechanism of obligating funds; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to enter into Interagency Memorandums of Understanding with the following departments using the template included as Exhibit A attached hereto:
•Public Communications for ARPA Project No. 1.7C1219 Enhanced Public Communication Efforts, and ARPA Project No. 1.7C5219 Cable Equipment Upgrades. •Public Safety for ARPA Project No. 1.7C6219 Emergency Operations Center Upgrades, and ARPA Project No. 1.7C8219 Security & Safety Improvements at City Hall. •Community Development for ARPA Project No. 2.15219 Affordable Housing Fund, and ARPA Project No. 2.361219 Wayfinding Signage.

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK HEREBY DETERMINES, FINDS, AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.The City Council authorizes entering into the Interagency Memorandums of Understanding with the departments and the projects listed above utilizing the template as shown in Exhibit A.

Section 2. The Mayor, or presiding officer, is hereby authorized to affix her signature to this Resolution signifying its adoption by the City Council of the City of Norwalk and the City Clerk, or her duly appointed assistant, is directed to attest thereto.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of December 2024.
__________________________
MARGARITA L. RIOS
MAYOR
ATTEST:
__________________________

THERESA DEVOY, CMC

CITY CLERK

EXHIBIT A
MOU Template
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City Council Agenda Report
December 3, 2024
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Alex Hamilton, Interim Director of Community Development Bethani Cardenas, Housing Manager
Rosio Medina, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT: ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE AS PART OF THE 2025-2030 CONSOLIDATED PLAN PROCESS FOR COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP FUNDS
Background:

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) are funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To receive and implement these federal grants, the City is required to develop an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) and 5-Year Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) every five years.

The AI is a critical component of the ConPlan and required by HUD regulations. This report identifies barriers to fair housing within Norwalk and outlines actions to address these issues.

The report is used to promote fair housing and equal opportunities in housing and community development programs. The 5-Year ConPlan is a comprehensive planning report that the City must prepare and submit to receive federal funding, such as CDBG and HOME funds. This report outlines the City’s priorities and goals for housing and community development needs over a five-year period.

The purpose of this item is to adopt the AI to comply with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 24 Part 91. The City must certify that they will affirmatively further fair housing and take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments, as identified in the AI report.

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Process and Timeline
The AI and ConPlan process includes community outreach, development of the AI, development of the ConPlan, and then implementation of federal grants through the Annual Action Plan (AAP) and Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER).

The City has conducted intensive outreach through the following strategic methods:
•Community Surveys: from May 1, 2024, and ending October 15, 2024. The survey gathered information from the public about community needs, priorities, and housing discrimination issues. There was a total of 449 responses received. •Community Meetings: on June 6, 2024. Residents were invited to attend in-person meetings to learn about the AI and ConPlan and types of programs that can be funded through federal funds. Residents were asked to identify neighborhood needs and priorities. There were two (2) community meetings held at the Norwalk Senior Center and at the Social Services Center.
•Stakeholder Interviews: from June 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024. These interviews engaged local partnerships who had first-hand experience to gather valuable insight. Seven (7) stakeholders, who had valuable experience and expertise, were interviewed. •Housing Summit: on September 25, 2024. This event addressed key topics, including fair housing law and discrimination, supportive services, and affordable housing developments for agencies involved on a local and county level. •Public Meeting: on November 14, 2024. A public meeting on the AI was held at the City Council Chambers to receive input from the community.

After the adoption of the AI, the City will begin developing the 2025-2030 ConPlan and Annual Action Plan. The 2025 Annual Action Plan Notice of Funding Applications was released November 12, 2024, with a submittal date of December 13, 2024. The Social Services Commission will review and provide recommendations by February 6, 2025. The recommendations will be presented to City Council through a Study Session in mid-February.

The City is required to hold two public hearings in relation to the 2025-2030 ConPlan which will be held in March 2025 and May 2025. The final submittal date for the 2025-2030 ConPlan and Annual Action Plan to HUD is May 15, 2025.

Fiscal Impact:

The CDBG and HOME programs are funded solely by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Citizens Advised:

N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:

N/A
City Council December 3, 2024
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page No. 3 1 0
7 4
Recommended Action:

Staff recommends City Council adopt the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice to be in compliance with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development rule 24 Code of Federal Regulation 91.

Attachments:

1. Draft City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments 2025-2030

2. Draft Community Engagement Summary
Attachment No. 1

City of Norwalk
Analysis of Impediments to
Fair Housing Choice
2025-2030

DRAFT

Public Comment Period (English and Spanish):

<<<OCTOBER 18, 2024, to NOVEMBER 18, 2024>>>

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 2 of 76 Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: Introduction................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 7

1. Purpose of the Report ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 7

2. Methodology & Organization of the Report ................................ ................................ ..................... 7

3. Legal Framework ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 7 A. Federal Fair Housing Act 1968 ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 8 B. California Employment and Fair Housing Act ................................ ................................ .............. 8 C. Other Fair Housing Legislation ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 9 CHAPTER 2: Public Participation ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 11 A. Public Participation Activities and AI Review ................................ ................................ ............. 11 B. Community and Stakeholder Survey ................................ ................................ ......................... 11 C. Public Meetings ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 11 D. Stakeholder One-On-One Interviews ................................ ................................ ........................ 12 E. Housing Summit ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 12 E. Public Review ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 15 CHAPTER 3: Community Profile ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 16

1. Local Context ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 16

2. Demographic Profile ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 16 A. Population ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 16 B. Age Distribution ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 17 C. Language Spoken ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 17 E. Race/Ethnicity ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 18 F. Household Type ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 18 G. Special Needs Populations ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 19 H. Families with Children ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 20 I. Large Households ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 20 J. Homeless Population ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 21

3. Housing Profile ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 23 A. Housing Unit Growth ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 24 B. Housing Unit Type ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 24 C. Housing Unit Conditions ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 24 D. Housing Tenure – Owners, Renters, and Vacant Units ................................ ............................. 25 E. Housing Costs and Affordability ................................ ................................ ................................ 26 F. Housing Cost Burden ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 30

4. Race and Segregation ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 32 A. Dissimilarity Index ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 32

5. Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty ................................ ................................ ... 33

6. Income, Workforce, and Employment Profile ................................ ................................ ................ 35

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 3 of 76 A. Median Household Income ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 35 B. Income by Household Characteristic ................................ ................................ ......................... 36 C. Income by Race/Ethnicity ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 37 D. Employment ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 37 C. Unemployment ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 39

7. Transportation Profile ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 40 A. Public Transit ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 40 B. Train Servies ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 40 CHAPTER 4: Lending Practices ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 42

1. Laws Governing Lending ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 42 A. Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) ................................ ................................ ........................ 42 B. Bank Regulators for the CRA ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 42 C. Federal Reserve’s Role ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 42

2. Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) ................................ ................................ ....................... 43

3. Government-Backed Loans ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 43 A. Federal Housing Administration ................................ ................................ ................................ 43 B. Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loans ................................ ................................ ............... 43 C. Rural Housing Services/Farm Service Agency (RHA/FSA) ................................ ....................... 44

4. Conventional Loans ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 44

5. Lending Findings ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 44 A. Refinancing ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 46 B. Home Improvement................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 46 C. Demographics of Loan Applicants ................................ ................................ ............................. 46 D. Income of Loan Applicants ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 47 CHAPTER 5: Public Practice ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 51

1. Housing Element Law and Compliance ................................ ................................ ........................ 52

2. Land Use Element ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 53

3. Zoning Ordinance ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 54 A. Zoning Definitions ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 54 B. Zoning Consistent with Fair Housing ................................ ................................ ......................... 56 C. Zoning Conflict with Fair Housing: ................................ ................................ ............................. 56 D. Recommended Zoning Changes................................ ................................ ............................... 56 E. Other Conflict Considerations ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 57 CHAPTER 6: Fair Housing Profile ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 58

1. Homeownership – Private Sector Practices ................................ ................................ .................. 58 A. Home Purchase Process ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 58 B. Real Estate Advertisement ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 58 C. Real Estate Agents ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 59

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 4 of 76

2. Rental Housing Process ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 59 A. Advertisement for Rental Units ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 59 B. Fair Housing Complaints and Enforcement ................................ ................................ ............... 60 CHAPTER 7: Fair Housing Process Since 2020-2025 AI ................................ ................................ . 61 CHAPTER 8: Fair Housing Action Plan 2025-2030 AI ................................ ................................ ...... 65

1. Data Collection and Engagement Conclusions ................................ ................................ ............. 65

2. Setting Fair Housing Goals and Priorities ................................ ................................ ..................... 66

3. Contributing Factors to Fair Housing Issues ................................ ................................ ................. 67

4. Priority Goals and Actions................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 68 A. Affordable Housing Contributing Factors: ................................ ................................ ............. 68 B. Housing Services Contributing Factors: ................................ ................................ ................ 68 C. Homeless Housing Contributing Factors:................................ ................................ .............. 68 D. Employment & Income Contributing Factors: ................................ ................................ ........ 68 E. Fair Housing Education Contributing Factors: ................................ ................................ ...... 69 F. Goals ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 69

5. Regional Collaboration ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 73 Appendix A – Federal Fair Housing Laws ................................ ................................ ........................ 74 Appendix B – Community Engagement Summary ................................ ................................ .......... 76

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 5 of 76 Figures

Figure 1. Location Map - Norwalk ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 16 Figure 2. Cost Burden Percent ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 300 Figure 3. Median Earnings by Industry Source 2018-2022 5-Year Estimates ................................ ..... 399 Figure 4. Norwalk Transit - Source: Norwalk.org ................................ ................................ .................. 40 Figure 5. Norwalk - General Plan Land Use Map ................................ ................................ ............... 544

Tables

Table 1: Regional Population Increase ................................ ................................ ................................ 17 Table 2: Regional Population Percentage Increase ................................ ................................ ............. 17 Table 3: Age Characteristic ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 17 Table 4: Language Spoken at Home ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 18 Table 5: Current Race & Ethnicity Comparison ................................ ................................ .................... 18 Table 6: Household Type and Size - City ................................ ................................ ............................. 19 Table 7: % Elderly Population ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 19 Table 8: Persons with Disabilities Profile ................................ ................................ ............................. 20 Table 9: Families with Children ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 20 Table 10: Single Parent Households ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 20 Table 11: Household Size – Comparison ................................ ................................ ............................. 21 Table 12: Occupants Per Room ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 21 Table 13: Homeless Point-In-Time Count ................................ ................................ ............................ 23 Table 14: Homeless Point-In-Time Count ................................ ................................ ............................ 23 Table 15: Demographics Summary ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 23 Table 16: Housing Unit Growth ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 24 Table 17: Housing Characteristics ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 24 Table 18: Year Unit Built – City ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 25 Table 19: Year Unit Built- County v. California ................................ ................................ ..................... 25 Table 20: Household Tenure – Owner v. Renter ................................ ................................ .................. 25 Table 21: Housing Unit Tenure Comparison ................................ ................................ ........................ 26 Table 22: Housing Unit Size by Tenure ................................ ................................ ................................ 26 Table 23: Changes in Value, Rent, and Income for Norwalk ................................ ................................ 26 Table 24: HUD Fair Market Rents (FMRs) ................................ ................................ ........................... 27 Table 25: Affordability Rent & Mortgage Combined ................................ ................................ ............. 28 Table 26: Affordable Rental Housing Units in Norwalk ................................ ................................ ......... 28 Table 27: Days On the Market ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 29 Table 28: Median Home Sales Prices ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 30 Table 29: Monthly Market Report June 2024 - City of Norwalk, CA ................................ ...................... 30 Table 30: Housing Cost Burden Overview ................................ ................................ ........................... 31 Table 31: Income by Cost Burden (Owners and Renters Combined) Households ............................... 31 Table 32: Income by Cost Burden – OWNERS ................................ ................................ .................... 31 Table 33: Income by Cost Burden – RENTERS ................................ ................................ ................... 32 Table 34: Index of Dissimilarity ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 32 Table 35: RCAP Block Groups (38) ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 34 Table 36: ECAP Block Groups (42)................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 35 Table 37: Median Household Income ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 36 Table 38: 2024 HUD Median Income Limits ................................ ................................ ......................... 36 Table 39: Household Income ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 36

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 6 of 76 Table 40: Household Tenure & Income Limit Bracket Comparison ................................ ...................... 36 Table 41: Median Household Income Per Race/Ethnicity ................................ ................................ ..... 37 Table 42: Top Employers ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 37 Table 43: Workforce by Industry ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 38 Table 44: Occupation - Full-Time ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 39 Table 45: Average Salary Per Gender ................................ ................................ ................................ . 39 Table 46: Unemployment ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 40 Table 47: CRA Rating for LA County ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 43 Table 48: CRA Rating for Norwalk ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 43 Table 49: Selected Census Tract from the 2022 FFIEC HMDA ................................ ............................ 45 Table 50: Loan Type - Total Applicants ................................ ................................ ................................ 45 Table 51: Action by Lender ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 45 Table 52: Loan Application, Denials, Percentage ................................ ................................ ................. 46 Table 53: Purpose of Loan Applied For ................................ ................................ ................................ 46 Table 54: Current Race & Ethnicity Comparison % of Total Population ................................ ............... 47 Table 55: Racial Demographics of Loan Applicants ................................ ................................ ............. 47 Table 56: Ethnic Demographics of Loan Applicants ................................ ................................ ............. 47 Table 57: Top Reasons for Denial ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 48 Table 580: Lenders with Highest Denial Rates ................................ ................................ .................... 49 Table 591: Top Ten Lenders ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 50 Table 602: Potentially Discriminatory Language in Listings of For-Sale Homes ................................ ... 59 Table 613: Potentially Discriminatory Language in Rental Listings ................................ ...................... 60 Table 624: Past Impediments and Actions ................................ ................................ ........................... 64 Table 635: Contributing Factors to Fair Housing Issues ................................ ................................ ....... 68 Table 646: Goals & Action Steps ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 72

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 7 of 76 CHAPTER 1: Introduction

1. Purpose of the Report

The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 mandates that communities receiving Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds must actively promote fair housing and are required to:

• Proactively combat housing discrimination by actively addressing discrimination within their jurisdiction;
• Promote fair housing choices for all individuals;
• Provide opportunities for all individuals to live in any housing development, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, or national origin; • Promote housing that is accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities; and • Comply with the non-discrimination requirements of the Federal Fair Housing Act (the Act).

The preparation of an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) meets HUD requirements.

An AI report thoroughly examines a jurisdiction’s laws, regulations, and administrative policies, procedures, and practices that impact housing location, availability, and accessibility. By identifying and addressing impediments, communities can promote fair housing for all individuals.

Additionally, an AI serves as an assessment of both public and private conditions that impact fair housing choice. An impediment to fair housing choice is any action, omission, or decision that limits or restricts housing options for members of protected classes. This AI will:

• Evaluate population, household, income, and housing characteristics by protected classes; • Evaluate public and private sector policies that impact fair housing choice; • Review previous AI progress of the City and County;
• Identify blatant or de facto impediments to fair housing choice where any may exist; and • Recommend specific strategies to overcome the effects of any identified impediments.

2. Methodology & Organization of the Report

The AI was written using quantitative data analysis, qualitative research, and community engagement to identify and address impediments to fair housing. A thorough and inclusive assessment was made by integrating demographic studies, policy reviews, stakeholder consultations, and community input.

The report is organized as follows: legal framework ; public participation; data collection and analysis of the community profile; lending and public practices; and fair housing profile. Next, it reviews the progress made in fair housing activities since the last AI cycle, identifies current impediments, and concludes with actionable recommendations and implementation strategies. This structured approach not only highlights existing challenges but also provides a clear roadmap for fostering equitable housing opportunities for all residents.

3. Legal Framework
Fair housing choice enables individuals to select their preferred place of residence. To ensure equal access, the federal government and the State of California have enacted laws prohibiting housing discrimination.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 8 of 76

HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity has played a lead role in enforcing an Act since its adoption in 1968. The Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status (presence of child under the age of 18 and pregnant women), and or disability.

Due to the critical role of housing choice in personal development, achieving fair housing is a shared goal for government, public officials, and private citizens if social equity is to become a reality.

A. Federal Fair Housing Act 1968
The Fair Housing Act provides federal -level protection against discrimination in housing. After a protracted legislative battle, urban riots, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Act was enacted in 1968. It expanded the nondiscriminatio n safeguards outlined in the 1964 Civil Rights Act to encompass the housing market. Specifically, the Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, or national origin. Additionally, on February 3, 2012, HUD issued a Final Rule that bars entitlement communities, public housing authorities, and other recipients of federal housing resources from discriminating based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. Individuals protected by fair housing laws are commonly referred to as members of the protected classes.

The Act applies to "dwellings," which are described as buildings intended for living or plots of land where a residence is planned. This term is quite inclusive, covering everything from homeless shelters to vacation homes. However, there are certain exceptions to the Act, such as buildings with up to four units that are owner -occupied, single-family homes that are sold or rented directly by the owner without a broker, and housing managed by organizations or private clubs that restrict access to their members.

Equal access to housing is a basic civil right that allows people in protected classes, as defined in the Act, to pursue their personal, educational, and professional goals. Ensuring fair housing is essential for personal growth and requires the commitment of government, public officials, and private citizens to achieve social equity.

B. California Employment and Fair Housing Act
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD), effectively renamed as of July 2022, formally known as the State Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), enforces California laws that offer protection and financial compensation to victims of illegal housing practices. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Government Code Section 12955 et seq.) prohibits discrimination and harassment in housing, including:
• Advertising
• Application and selection process
• Unlawful evictions
• Terms and conditions of tenancy
• Privileges of occupancy
• Mortgage loans and insurance
• Public and private land use practices (zoning)
• Unlawful restrictive covenants

The following categories are protected by FEHA:
• Race or color
• Ancestry or national origin
• Sex
• Marital status
• Source of income
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity/expression
• Genetic information

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 9 of 76 • Familial status (households with children under 18 years of age) • Religion
• Mental/physical disability
• Medical condition
• Age

Additionally, state laws include comparable, reasonable accommodations and accessibility requirements as those found in the federal Act.

C. Other Fair Housing Legislation
In October 2019, Senate Bill 329 became law, prohibiting landlords from denying rental applications solely based on a person's source of income. This law allows families with housing assistance, including Section 8 vouchers, to apply for and secure affordable housing in their desired neighborhoods, provided they meet the qualifications.

The Unruh Civil Rights Act safeguards against discrimination by all business establishments in California, including housing and accommodations, based on age, ancestry, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Although the Act specifically mentions "sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, or medical condition" as protected classes, the California Supreme Court has held that protections under the Unruh Act are not necessarily restricted to th ese characteristics.

Additionally, the Ralph Civil Rights Act (California Civil Code Section 51.7) prohibits violence or threats of violence based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or involvement in a labor dispute. Hate violence incl udes verbal or written threats, physical assault, or attempted assault, as well as graffiti, vandalism, or damage to property.

The Bane Civil Rights Act (California Civil Code Section 52.1) protects individuals in California from having their rights, including equal access to housing, infringed upon through force or threats of force. It also imposes criminal penalties for hate crimes, but convictions are only applicable if the speech involved directly threatened violence, not just any speech alone.

California Civil Code Section 1940.3 prohibits landlords from asking potential tenants about their immigration or citizenship status. While landlords in most states can inquire and reject applicants based on their immigration status, this law also prevents local jurisdictions from requiring landlords to make such inquiries.

Fair Employment & Housing Act California law protects people from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in jobs and housing based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and age.

FEHA Regulations implement and interpret the provisions of FEHA. They cover various topics, including definitions, employer responsibilities, and harassment prevention training requirements.

Department’s Procedural Regulations outline the procedures and policies that departments must follow to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. They include guidelines for rulemaking, enforcement, and administrative processes.

California Family Rights Act (CFRA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job - protected leave to care for their own serious health condition, a family member’s serious health condition, or to bond with a new child. It applies to employers with five or more employees.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 10 of 76 Civil Code Section 5.9 Prohibits sexual harassment in business, service, or professional contexts outside of traditional employment relationships.

Disabled Person Act This act ensures that individuals with disabilities have the same rights as the general public to access public places, services, and accommodations. It prohibits discrimination based on disability in various aspects of public life.

California Trafficking Victims Protection Act offers protections and services to human trafficking victims. It allows the State to sue for damages and ensures their communications with caseworkers remain confidential.

In Addition to these acts, Government Code Sections 11135, 65008, and 65580 -65589.8 prohibit discrimination in state-funded programs and land use decisions. Recent changes to state law also require local jurisdictions to provide housing options for special needs groups. • Housing for persons with disabilities
• Housing for homeless persons, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing
• Housing for extremely low-income households, including single-room occupancy units • Housing for persons with developmental disabilities

Appendix A – Federal Fair Housing Laws provides additional Federal laws related to Fair Housing.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 11 of 76 CHAPTER 2: Public Participation

City staff worked with outside consultants, MNS Engineers and Michael Baker International , to provide technical assistance and guide the AI planning process. The City and its consultants undertook a robust consultation process with Michael Baker International as the lead in the public participation process, as well as the data research and analysis required to complete the AI report and Consolidated Plan.

A. Public Participation Activities and AI Review
Public Participation was completed to concurrently cover and review both the AI and the 2025 -2030 Consolidated Plan. A community engagement program was undertaken, including:

1. Community and Stakeholder Survey

2. Community Meeting

3. Social Services Meeting

4. Stakeholder Interviews

5. Housing Summit

6. Public Review period

The following sections of this Chapter detail each activity. As a result of the participation activities, summaries were prepared, and the AI report was completed. City staff provided comments which were incorporated into the AI report. A draft of the AI was made available for community stakeholders and the general public to review and comment. The housing summit was advertised in advance as w ell as the 30-day public review period and public hearing.

B. Community and Stakeholder Survey
A Community and Stakeholder Survey was conducted as part of the 2024 AI process and 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan process. From May 1 to October 15, 2024, the City hosted an online and paper survey made available on its website and distributed to community members and stakeholders throughout the City. The survey was conducted to solicit the community’s input on the City’s most pressing needs, particularly in the areas of housing, community facilities, homelessness, neigh borhood improvements, community services, and affordable and fair housing. Respondents identified the top issues that limit housing options and affordability in the City. The City received 353 responses in English and 84 responses in Spanish, with a grand total of 437 responses. The Community Needs Summary is included in Appendix B – Community Engagement Summary.

C. Public Meetings
As part of the public engagement process, two community meetings were held on June 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Norwalk Senior Center, located at 14040 San Antonio Drive, and at 6:00 PM at the Social Survey Highlights
• Majority of respondents were homeowners.
• Respondents stated Norwalk has a fair amount of affordable housing available to residents.
• Respondents feel somewhat informed of their rights and responsibilities as a tenant or homeowner.
• Respondents do not agree that Norwalk has areas which lack high -speed internet service or connectivity.
• Respondents do not agree that Norwalk is vulnerable to flooding or other natural disasters.
•
•

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 12 of 76 Services Center, located at 11929 Alondra Boulevard. A public meeting was noticed and held on November 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at City Council Chambers, located at 12700 Norwalk Boulevard. These meetings were held to inform the public about the AI planning process and solicit public input on community housing and housing discrimination. The attendees worked in small groups to answer the Stakeholder one -on-one interview questions provided above. A public meeting summ ary has been included in Appendix B – Public Outreach.

D. Stakeholder One-On-One Interviews
The planning process included several stakeholder interviews with City staff, government officials and other nonprofit social service agencies doing business in the City. A summary was prepared and analyzed as part of the AI and Consolidated Plan policies and recommendations. A Stakeholder Summary is included in Appendix B – Public Outreach. Common interview questions include:

a) What do you feel are your agency’s (or City)
top priorities?
b) How do you envision the affordable housing
landscape evolving over the next five years
within our community?
c) What specific challenges or barriers do you
see for low- and moderate-income residents
in attaining affordable housing within the
city?
d) What strategies or initiatives do you believe
are most effective in increasing access to
affordable housing in the city?
e) How can we ensure that the needs of the
city’s vulnerable populations, such as low -
income families, seniors, and individuals with
disabilities, are adequately met?
f) Do you feel there is local support for
broadband access and technical literacy?
g) How do you feel the City should spend their
annual CDBG allocation?

E. Housing Summit
On behalf of the City of Norwalk, the Community Development Department hosted a housing summit on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex, Stakeholder Concerns:
• Rising housing prices
• Rising rental rates
• Limited number of vouchers
• Permanent housing for those with mental
and physical disabilities
• Homeless prevention
• HUD program compliance is difficult
• Case management is short-term
• Limited number landlords accepting
Section 8 and non-citizen
• High cost of fair housing legal assistance
• Those needing assistance are income
ineligible
• Rental deposits are high, and application
reviews are stringent.
• Limited number of larger family rental
units
What community facilities are most
needed?
• ADA curb cuts and sidewalk safety
• Trails at parks
• Senior center is at capacity, expansion is
needed
What homeless housing services are
most needed?
• Housing rehab program is very important
• Air conditioning where seniors live

Economic Development Needs:
• Commercial property owners are not maintaining their properties. • Business owners are not creating attractive buildings and or storefronts • Traffic is impacting pedestrian safety

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 13 of 76 Rich Rehearsal Hall (MPR), 13200 Clarkdale Avenue, Norwalk, CA 90650. The summit addressed key topics, including fair housing law and discrimination, permanent supportive housing, interim and permanent supportive services, affordable housing development, a nd program management, and workforce development in Norwalk and Los Angeles County.

The event was attended by 40 participants from 22 social service agencies, local and county governments, and private sector partners interested in housing issues in Norwalk. Five (5) speakers delivered presentations, providing current and insightful inform ation on each topic. Following the presentations, attendees engaged in small group sessions to complete workbook table discussions, network, and seek consensus on potential solutions to current housing challenges.

The following agencies attended:

• City of Norwalk • Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District (NLMUSD)
• Norwalk Social Services Commission • Helpline Youth Counseling • Weingart • LA CADA
• Soroptimist Village Foundation • KW Realty
• Primestor • Hope Inc.
• Assurance Learning Academy • Kingdom Causes Bellflower (KCB) • Los Angeles County Homeless
Initiative
• Norwalk Housing Authority (NHA)
• LA County • Fair Housing Foundation (FHF)
• SELACO WDB • Mercy House
• Women’s & Children’s Crisis Center
(DV Shelter)
• US Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD)
• Jovenes, Inc. • Global Urban Strategies

The following lists the Keynote Speakers for the Housing Summit:

Keynote Speakers Speaker Topic
Martha Torres, Fair Housing Foundation
• Fair Housing Law and Discrimination
• Complaints and discrimination cases in
Norwalk
Ed Holder & Michael Raley, Mercy Housing
• Site and build affordable housing
• Challenges and constraints of building
affordable housing
• Funding nuances
Jeff Gaddes, Dignity Moves • Interim Housing Needs
• Successful Models of Interim Housing

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 14 of 76 Ben Rosen, Weingart
• Advocacy for interim and supportive housing
services
• Resident stabilization
• Transition to permanent housing
Omar E. Hernandez, Global Urban Strategies
• Affordability funding gap
• First Time Homebuyer Programming
• Funding assistance
• Special needs for disabilities

Guest speaker participated in a panel discussion. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, and the speakers provided responses. The discussion was engaging with the panel responding to the same questions or topics. Two major questions were brought to light after the speakers’ presentations:

• How do we push against the stigma of affordable low -income housing and housing for the homeless to fulfill that need for housing?
• What are the plans for vulnerable intellectual and disabled populations?

The third segment of the housing summit, enabled attendees to work with one another to complete the “Housing Summit: 2024 Attendee Workbook.” Each participant received a Workbook containing two questions per topic presented by the speakers. Attendees discussed workbook questions with their table mates and recorded their responses in the Workbook. Below are the questions and the consensus reached during the table discussions.

Topic Question
Fair Housing Law and Discrimination

1. In your opinion, what factors contribute to housing
discrimination (i.e. race, ethnicity, gender, etc.)?

2. What methods do you feel will reduce housing
discrimination from occurring?
Permanent Supportive Housing

1. How should supportive housing programs work to
ensure family stability, preventing individuals’
return to homelessness?

2. Who do you feel are the most vulnerable
populations that most need permanent supportive
housing? (i.e. co-op, familial, veteran, etc.)
Interim and Permanent Supportive Services

1. In your opinion, what types of supportive services
are needed as part of interim housing? Please
explain.

2. What are some creative ways to provide housing to
individuals experiencing homelessness?
Affordable Housing Development

1. What types of affordable housing units are most
needed in Norwalk? (i.e. small apartments, large
family, senior, accessible)

2. Affordable housing development is expensive!
What types of assistance do developers need the
most?
Program Management

1. What do you feel are the challenges for low -and
moderate-income households in becoming a
homeowner?

2. How can these challenges be addressed?

Workbook Questions: A workbook summary can be found in Appendix B.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 15 of 76 E. Public Review
A 30 -day public review period , beginning October 21, 2024, and ending November 21, 2024, was provided to receive any outstanding comments from agencies and the general public. A public meeting noticed and held on November 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Norwalk City Council Chambers, located at 12700 Norwalk Boulevard. Any written public comments received, and any discussion items raised during the public review period and/or hearing were directly addressed as part of AI (TBD).

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 16 of 76 CHAPTER 3: Community Profile

1. Local Context

The City of Norwalk, incorporated
in 1957, is located in the eastern
side of Los Angeles County and
has a population of 101,893. The
City is a residential suburb located

17.5 miles from Downtown Los
Angeles and closer to the Orange
County border.

2. Demographic Profile

This section explores the City's
demographics as they relate to
housing choice and affordability.

The demographics assessed are
the population age distribution,
spoken languages , race/ethnicity,
household types, and special
needs populations.

Analyzing trends in the population
regarding these characteristics and
then comparing them to the
housing market can indicate places
or people who may not be served
and who need assistance.

This section explores the City’s
most recent data gathered by the
American Community Survey,
2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates.

To provide context, it will compare
with previous years and the
County.

A. Population
The number of people in Norwalk directly impacts the housing needs. The City has seen a decrease in population recently. Between 2022 and 2020, the population decreased by 0.86%. Los Angeles County saw a similar decrease in population during the same time period (0.77%).

Figure 1. Location Map - Norwalk

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 17 of 76 Table 1: Regional Population Increase

The City’s Total Population of individuals was 105,549 in 2010 and 102,773 in 2020 , which is a 2.63% decrease. In comparison, the County of Los Angeles reported 9,818,605 individuals in 2010 and 10,014,009 individuals in 2020. This represents a 1.99% increase in total population. The State of California had 37,253,956 individuals in 2010 and 39,538,223 in 2020. This represents a 6.13% increase.

In all, the City of Norwalk had no significant changes in population.

Regional Population Percentage Increase
Area 2000-2010 % Chg 2010-2020 % Chg 2000-2020 % Chg
City 103,298 105,549 2.18% 105,549 102,773 -2.63% 103,298 102,773 -0.51% County 9,519,338 9,818,605 3.14% 9,818,605 10,014,009 1.99% 9,519,338 10,014,009 5.20% State 33,871,648 37,253,956 9.99% 37,253,956 39,538,223 6.13% 33,871,648 39,538,223 16.73% Source: 2000 DEC U.S. Census; 2010 DEC U.S. Census; 2020 DEC U.S. Census Table 2: Regional Population Percentage Increase
B. Age Distribution
Different age groups may have different needs and accessibility when it comes to housing options. For example, education, family situation, or income can impact the housing needed. The City and the County have about the same (within +/ - 0.5%) portion of their age populations except for two of the categories below. The City’s population has 1.92% more children than the County’s population overall. This may mean that Norwalk has more children than neighboring cities in LA County. The other age group with a noticeable difference in population is 45-64. Norwalk differs from the County overall in this category by -

1.76%.

Age Characteristic
Age City % of Total
Population County % of Total
Population
Under 18 24,689 23.62% 2,178,559 21.70%
18-24 10,031 9.60% 952,944 9.49%
25-44 31,334 29.98% 3,002,523 29.90%
45-64 24,558 23.50% 2,536,515 25.26%
65 or older 13,912 13.31% 1,370,141 13.65%
Total: 104,524 100.00% 10,040,682 100.00%
Median Age 35.3 years old 36.7 years old
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5 -Year Estimates
Table 3: Age Characteristic
C. Language Spoken
People who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English, otherwise known as limited English proficiency (LEP), can face unique challenges when finding housing in Norwalk. Recipients of HUD funds, including the City , are required to provide assistance to LEP citizens in increasing accessibility to housing programs. This is especially relevant to the City of Norwalk, where 63.8% of the population speak a language other than English at home. The majority of the City (51.5%) speak Spanish at home. Of the entire city population, excluding children under 5 years old, 22.5% report speaking English less than “very well.”

Regional Population Increase
Total Population 2010 2020 2022 % Change (Chg) 2020 & 2022 City 105,549 102,773 101,893 -0.86%
County 9,818,605 10,014,009 9,936,690 -0.77%
State 37,253,956 39,538,223 39,356,104 -0.46%
Source: 2010 DEC U.S. Census; 2020 DEC U.S. Census; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 18 of 76 Language Spoken at Home
(persons 5 years old and older)
City Number %
Population 5 years and over 97,122 100.0%
English only 35,147 36.2%
Language other than English 61,975 63.8%
Speak English less than "very well" 21,811 22.5%
Spanish 49,635 51.1%
Speak English less than "very well" 16,745 17.2%
Other Indio-European languages 1,941 2.0%
Speak English less than "very well" 653 0.7%
Asian and Pacific Island languages 10,012 10.3%
Speak English less than "very well" 4,240 4.4%
Other languages 387 0.4%
Speak English less than "very well" 173 0.2%
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 4: Language Spoken at Home
E. Race/Ethnicity
Race is defined as a group of people connected by common descent or heredity, while ethnicity refers to a social group sharing a unique culture, religion, language, or similar traits. Therefore, individuals from different ethnic backgrounds often have specific preferences when selecting housing types.

As of 2022, the Hispanic (of any Race) population makes up the majority of the City’s resident base, standing at 69%, a decrease of 4% since 2020 . The population that elected “some other race” is the highest group (of Race) , with approximately 39% of the Total Population (101,893) , an increase of 2% since 2020. The White population is the second highest group (of Race), with approximately 27% of the total population, and the Asian population is 13% of the total population, an increase of 35% since 2020.

Current Race & Ethnicity Comparison
City County
Race/Ethnicity 2020 2022 %Chg 2020 2022 %Chg
White 20,680 27,892 35% 3,259,427 3,937,901 21%
Black or African American 4,178 4,617 11% 794,364 780,993 -2% American Indian and Alaska Native 2,426 1,711 -29% 163,464 111,096 -32% Asian 14,038 13,691 -2% 1,499,984 1,473,634 -2%
Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander 451 692 53% 24,522 23,400 -5% Some other race 39,327 40,237 2% 2,784,180 2,253,956 -19% Two or more races: 21,673 13,053 -40% 1,488,068 1,355,710 -9% Total 102,773 101,893 -1% 10,014,009 9,936,690 -1%
Hispanic 73,548 70,692 -4% 4,804,763 4,837,594 1%
Non-Hispanic 29,225 31,201 7% 5,209,246 5,099,096 -2%
Source: 2010 DEC U.S. Census; 2020 DEC U.S. Census; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 5: Current Race & Ethnicity Comparison

F. Household Type
From 2020 to 2022, the total number of households decreased in Norwalk by 240. During the same period, Family Households decreased while non-family households increased. Additionally, 46.4% of all households have individuals over 60 years old.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 19 of 76 Household Type and Size – City of Norwalk
2020 2022 % % Change
Total Households 26,748 26,508 -0.9%
Family Households 22,279 21,735 -2.4%
With own children under 18 yrs 9,198 9,008 -2.1%
Married couple with family 14,862 14,613 -1.7%
With own children under 18 yrs 6,567 6,339 -3.5%
Female householder, no husband present 4,960 4,418 -10.9% With own children under 18 yrs 1,635 1,553 -5.0%
Nonfamily households 4,469 4,773 6.8%
Householder living alone 3,262 3,685 12.9%
Householders 65 years and over 1,600 1,656 3.5%
Households with individuals under 18 years 11,823 11,478 -2.9% Households with individuals over 60 years 11,903 12,300 3.3% Average household size 3.81 3.74 -1.8%
Average family size 4.13 4.11 -0.5%
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 6: Household Type and Size - City
G. Special Needs Populations
The special needs population includes elderly individuals (defined by HUD to be 62 and older), frail elderly, those with mental, physical, or developmental disabilities, people struggling with addiction, and victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Although age isn’t a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, information about elderly households is relevant for local programs. Since the Fair Housing Act protects families with children and individuals with disabilities from discrimination, it is important to compare the location patterns of publicly supported housing for families with children versus housing for elderly populations and those with disabilities.

According to the 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates, elderly persons accounted for approximately 13.5% of the City’s population. Since 2020, the elderly population (65+ years of age) has decreased by 0.3%.

However, the elderly population specifically (85+ years of age) has increased by 0.43%.

% Elderly Population
City Percent of Population
Age 2010 2020 2022
65-74 5.35% 8.22% 8.13%
75-84 3.30% 3.89% 3.26%
85 and older 1.23% 1.63% 2.06%
Total 9.88% 13.73% 13.45%
Source: 2010 DEC U.S. Census; 2020 DEC U.S. Census; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 7: % Elderly Population

Disabled individuals often earn less than their non -disabled counterparts. This creates a need for affordable housing tailored to their needs. Physically disabled people require accessible housing, such as wheelchair-friendly accommodations. Under fair hou sing law, disability is a protected class. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded programs. Studies reveal that disabled individuals face discrimination more frequently than other protected classes. Public education is crucial to prevent discrimination against physically and mentally disabled persons.

According to the 201 6-2020 ACS 5 -Year Estimates, 10.2% of the population (103,364 total noninstitutionalized civilian population) who lived in the City reported a disability.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 20 of 76 Persons with Disabilities Profile
% of Population by
City
(total
noninstitutionalized
civilian population)
Hearing
Disability
Vision
Disability
Cognitive
Disability
Ambulatory
Disability
Self-Care
Disability
Independent
Living
Disability

10.2% 2,685 1,939 4,796 5,440 2,823 4,981
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 8: Persons with Disabilities Profile

H. Families with Children
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing against families with children under 18 years, pregnant individuals, or those in the process of obtaining legal custody. It ensures that housing providers cannot refuse to rent to families with child ren, evict them once a child joins the family, or impose overly restrictive rules related to children’s use of common areas. Familial status is a protected class under this law, covering families with children, pregnant persons, and those securing legal custody of a minor child.1

According to the 2016 -2020 ACS 5 -Year Estimates, 34.4% of the total households have children reported, and of the total households with children (18 years of age and younger), 17.8% are reported as Female-Headed households only. Single-parent households are reported to be 38% of all reported households in the City, 10% less than that of the County’s.

Families with Children
All Families
with Children
Female-Headed Households
with Children
Jurisdiction Total
Households Number % of Total
Households Number % of all Families
with Children
City 26,748 9,198 34.4% 1,635 17.8%
County 3,332,504 919,959 27.6% 207,136 22.5%
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 9: Families with Children

Single Parent Households
City County
Total Households 26,748 3,332,504
# of Single Parent Households 10,149 1,607,188
% of Single Parent Households 38% 48%
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 10: Single Parent Households
I. Large Households
A large household typically includes five or more occupants. Such households may sometimes indicate overcrowding, which can be associated with factors like ethnicity, age, immigration, and poverty. The 2018-2022 ACS 5 -Year Estimates identified households in the City with five or more persons, representing 28% (7,353) of all households. Of all the large households, 70% are owner-occupied, 30% are renter-occupied.

Overall, large households and persons who own and rent have increased 4 % between 2020 and 2022.

The number of large households accounted for 26% of total households in 2020 and 28% of total households in 2022. The U.S. Census defines an overcrowded unit as one occupied by 1.01 persons or more per room (excluding bathrooms and kitchens). Units with more than 1.5 persons per room are considered severely overcrowded. The Occupant Per Room Table 12 shows that approximately 15% of housing units are experiencing overcrowding.

1 Discrimination Against Families with Children | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 21 of 76 Household Size – Comparison
2020 2022
Number % Number %
Total Occupied Housing Units 26,748 100.0% 26,508 100.0% Owner Occupied 17,680 66.10% 17,929 67.64%
Renter Occupied 9,068 33.90% 8,579 32.36%
Owner & Renter Occupied 19,665 73.5% 26,508 100.0%
1 person HH 3,262 12.20% 3,687 13.91%
2 persons HH 5,965 22.30% 5,334 20.12%
3 persons HH 4,898 18.31% 5,024 18.95%
4 persons HH 5,540 20.71% 5,110 19.28%
5 persons HH 3,642 13.62% 4,061 15.32%
6 persons HH 2,078 7.77% 1,812 6.84%
7 or more persons HH 1,363 5.10% 1,480 5.58%
Owner Occupied 12,738 72.05% 17,929 100.00%
1 person HH 1,837 10.39% 2,179 12.15%
2 persons HH 4,160 23.53% 3,788 21.13%
3 persons HH 3,162 17.88% 3,263 18.20%
4 persons HH 3,579 20.24% 3,551 19.81%
5 persons HH 2621 14.82% 2848 15.88%
6 persons HH 1,394 7.88% 1,241 6.92%
7 or more persons HH 927 5.24% 1,059 5.91%
Renter Occupied 6,927 76.39% 8,579 100.00%
1 person HH 1,425 15.71% 1,508 17.58%
2 persons HH 1,805 19.91% 1,546 18.02%
3 persons HH 1,736 19.14% 1,761 20.53%
4 persons HH 1,961 21.63% 1,559 18.17%
5 persons HH 1,021 11.26% 1,213 14.14%
6 persons HH 684 7.54% 571 6.66%
7 or more persons HH 436 4.81% 421 4.91%
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 11: Household Size – Comparison

Occupants Per Room
Occupant Per Room Occupants % of Total Occupied Housing Units

1.00 or less occupants per room 22,548 85.1%

1.01 to 1.50 occupants per room 2,698 10.2%

1.51 or more occupants per room 1,262 4.8%
Total Occupied housing units 26,508 100.0%
Source: 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 12: Occupants Per Room
J. Homeless Population
In 2018, the County of Los Angeles introduced the ‘City Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness: A Guide for Local Municipalities” to serve as a model for addressing homelessness by securing and enhancing income and promoting a variety of subsidized housing opportunities. The City of Norwalk took initiative and developed their own homeless strategic plan, titled “From Streets to Stability: A Strategic Action Plan to Address Homelessness in the City of Norwalk” in 2023. This report considered homeless counts, individual/familial needs, and housing inventory. This comprehensive report identified several key challenges in addressing homelessness:

• Resource Allocation – There is a significant need for financial resources to support homeless services and housing.
• Community Opposition – Residents are concerned after safety, loitering, and the impact on local businesses in areas relative to homeless shelters.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 22 of 76 • Coordination and Collaboration – The City ensures to coordinate with involving organizations and departments. However, it was found that effective collaboration is necessary to provide comprehensive support to individuals experiencing homelessness. • Data and Understanding – There is a need for accurate data collection in order to develop effective strategies and to allocate resources efficiently. • Legal and Policy Barriers – Navigating legal and policy barriers can complicate efforts to develop new housing and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Thus, the City identified five strategies to overcome the challenges in addressing homelessness:

• Enhanced Resource Allocation – Securing additional funding and resources through partnerships and grants will provide support to homeless services and housing initiatives. • Community Engagement – There is importance in increasing public awareness and education about homelessness. Strategies include community meetings, workshops, and campaigns to foster understanding and support for homeless initiatives. • Improved Coordination – A centralized system for managing resources and services among city departments, service providers, and community organizations ensure efficient and effective support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Data-Drive Approaches – The plan proposes using comprehensive data to understand the needs and demographics of the homeless population better, which will inform targeted interventions and resource allocation.
• Policy and Legal Reforms – The plan advocates for revising local policies and regulations to facilitate the development of homeless shelters and supportive housing. This includes addressing zoning laws and other legal barriers that may hinder the establishment of said facilities.

In all, the City of Norwalk aims to create a more supportive and effective system for addressing homeless, with the aim of permanently housing individuals.

Specific to homeless count, the Point-in-time counts are performed annually for Service Planning Area 7 (SPA 7). SPA 7 combines the City’s sheltered and unsheltered homeless population with that of surrounding cities. The homeless population in 2024 is 166. The largest majority of the homeless gender is Males, 68%; Hispanic, 71%; and Adults aged 25-54, 59%. These percentages are similar to those of January 2019 Point-in-time count reported in Norwalk’s prior AI (2020 -2025). The homeless population numbers in Norwalk have experienced fluctuations from 202 1 to 2024, which can be attributed to the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Annual Total Homeless Point-In-Time Count
Year Total
2017 316
2018 262
2019 200
2020 168
2021 N/A2
2022 311
2023 101
2024 198
Source: 2017 through 2024 Los Angeles County PIT

2 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) exempted the Los Angeles Continuum of Care from conducting a 2021 PIT Count due to the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19). For context, the Los Angeles County Department of Health implemented curfews and Governor Gavin Newsom issued stay-at-home orders which hindered LAHSA’s efforts to safely conduct the 2021 PIT Count.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 23 of 76 Homeless Point-In-Time Count
Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Persons 12 89 101
Households 0 0 0
Source: 2023 Los Angeles County PIT
Table 13: Homeless Point-In-Time Count

Homeless Point-In-Time Count
Number Percent
Persons in Cars 7 9.09%
Persons in Vans 3 3.90%
Persons in RVs or Campers 0 0.00%
Persons in Tents 5 6.49%
Persons in Makeshift Shelters 22 28.57%
Persons on the Street 40 51.95%
Total 77 100%
Source: 2023 Los Angeles County PIT
Table 14: Homeless Point-In-Time Count

Demographics Summary
Number Percent
Gender
Male 4450 68%
Female 2053 32%
Transgender 15 0%
Gender Non-conforming 6 0%
Questioning 2 0%
Race/Ethnicity
Hispanic/Latino 4633 71%
Black/African American 696 11%
White 981 15%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 88 1%
Asian 41 1%
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 11 0%
Multi-Racial/Other 61 1%
Age
Under 18 556 9%
18-24 837 13%
25-54 3870 59%
55-61 810 12%
62+ 438 7%
Source: 2023 Los Angeles County Service Planning Area 7 PIT Count Table 15: Demographics Summary

3. Housing Profile

Demographic trends provide context for identifying impediments to fair housing choice. To understand these impediments fully, we must consider home ownership, rental patterns, and settlement distribution.

Housing market conditions, including price -to-income ratios and supply availability, also play a crucial role. By analyzing housing costs, affordability, physical characteristics, and location, we can identify and address impediments to fair housing choice, especially for protected classes. This chapter ex plores

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 24 of 76 baseline housing market conditions and contextualizes impediments affecting household choices in different areas of the City.

A. Housing Unit Growth
As of 2022, the total number of housing units decreased by 3.33% since 2010. Although the total number of housing units increased, the specific number of units decreased by 4.59% (1,307 units) after 2020.

Insufficient housing supply contributes to rising costs, affecting affordability for low -income households in the City.

Housing Unit Growth
2010 2020 2022 % Change
(2010-2020)
% Change
(2020-2022)
% Change
(2010-2022)
28,083 28,455 27,148 1.32% -4.59% -3.33%
Source: 2010 DEC U.S. Census; 2020 DEC U.S. Census; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 16: Housing Unit Growth

B. Housing Unit Type
As of 2022, the City’s housing stock primarily consists of single-family (SF) homes (76%), a decrease of 75 single-family homes from 2020. Between 2020 and 2022, 2-to-4-unit dwellings increased by 18% (117 units), while larger five -plus units decreased by 9% (417 units). Overall, the number of housing units decreased by 2% , which may impact housing availability and demand. The population decreased by

0.86%. The persons per household declined by 2%; smaller households might indicate changing demographics or housing preferences. Lastly, the vacancy rate decreased by 34%. A lower vacancy rate suggests increased occupancy and potentially a competitive rental market.

Housing Characteristics
2020 2022
1-unit, SF detached 20,572 20,497
1-unit, SF attached 1,176 1,051
2 to 4 units 643 760
Five Plus units 4,853 4,436
Mobile home 422 352
Boat, RV, van, etc. 35 52
Total housing units 27,701 27,148
Occupied units 26,748 26,508
Vacancy Rate 3.44% 2.27%
Persons per Household 3.77 3.69
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 17: Housing Characteristics

C. Housing Unit Conditions
The age of a housing unit can indicate its condition. A majority of the City’s occupied homes, 85.2%, were built between the years 1940 and 1979. It is important to note that many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint, which would mean almost all of the homes in Norwalk were potentially impacted3.

Only half a percent of homes were built in 2014 or later. The County’s percentage of homes built in 2013 is more than 3 times that of Norwalk’s, and the State is almost 5 times as much, percentagewise. This shows that Norwalk is building newer homes at a slower rate.

3 Real Estate Disclosures about Potential Lead Hazards | US EPA

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 25 of 76 Year Unit Built – City of Norwalk
Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Occupied
Year Unit Built Number % Number % Number %
2014 or later 117 0.7% 27 0.30% 144 0.5%
2010 to 2013 202 1.1% 66 0.73% 268 1.0%
2000 to 2009 208 1.2% 251 2.77% 459 1.7%
1980 to 1999 800 4.5% 1,647 18.16% 2447 9.1%
1960 to 1979 2,694 15.2% 3,121 34.42% 5,815 21.7%
1940 to 1959 13,271 75.1% 3,714 40.96% 16,985 63.5%
1939 or earlier 388 2.2% 242 2.67% 630 2.4%
Total 17,680 9,068 26,748
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 18: Year Unit Built – City

Year Unit Built- County v. California
County California
Year Unit Built Number % Number %
2014 or later 59,345 1.67% 339,245 2.39%
2010 to 2013 45,617 1.28% 254,491 1.79%
2000 to 2009 187,719 5.27% 1,551,054 10.91%
1980 to 1999 648,748 18.22% 3,701,494 26.05%
1960 to 1979 1,016,041 28.54% 4,368,510 30.74%
1940 to 1959 1,080,793 30.36% 2,712,219 19.09%
1939 or earlier 521,527 14.65% 1,283,932 9.03%
Total 3,559,790 100.00% 14,210,945 100.00%
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 19: Year Unit Built- County v. California

D. Housing Tenure – Owners, Renters, and Vacant Units
Housing tenure encompasses the right to live in a house or apartment. It includes owner -occupancy, where the occupant owns their home, and tenancy, where rent is paid to a landlord. Other forms, like public housing and squatting, also exist. Tenure prefere nces often correlate with household income, composition, and the age of the head of the household.

Household Tenure – Owner v. Renter
Tenure 2022 % of total households
Households 26,508 100%
Owner-Occupied 17,929 67%
Renter-Occupied 8,579 32%
Source: 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 20: Household Tenure – Owner v. Renter

In 2022 there were 27,148 housing units and 26,508 households in Norwalk. Of the total housing units ,

66.04% are owner-occupied, and 31.60% are rentals. Only 2.36% of units are vacant, down from 3.44% in 2020. Low vacancies mean more limited housing options, plus more demand for housing, which can put households in vulnerable positions.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 26 of 76 Housing Unit Tenure Comparison
Year: 2020 2022
Tenure Type # of Units % of total # of
Units # of Units % of total # of
Units
Owner Occupied 17,680 63.82% 17,929 66.04%
Rental 9,068 32.74% 8,579 31.60%
Vacant 953 3.44% 640 2.36%
Total 27,701 27,148
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 21: Housing Unit Tenure Comparison

Housing Units with 4 or more bedrooms are occupied by owners approximately 5 times as much as renters. Alternatively, units with 1 or no bedroom are occupied by renters more than 5 times as much as owners. The majority of occupied units in Norwalk ( 76.84%) have 2 or 3 bedrooms. This size of unit is also the most occupied for both owners and renters in the City.

Housing Unit Size by Tenure
Tenure Type: Owners Renters
Unit Size Number % Total of
Owner Units Number % of total # of
Renter Units
No bedroom 326 1.82% 674 7.86%
1 bedroom 199 1.11% 1,861 21.69%
2 or 3 bedrooms 13,777 76.84% 5,277 61.51%
4 or more bedrooms 3,627 20.23% 767 8.94%
Total 17,929 8,579
Source: 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 22: Housing Unit Size by Tenure

E. Housing Costs and Affordability
The cost of housing can directly impact daily living because it often determines how much money is left for other household expenses, such as food and healthcare. Norwalk has seen an 11% increase in median gross rent from 2020 to 2022. The median household income increased by 18% in the same timeframe; however, the housing value grew by 29%. The value of homes increases exceeding the increase in income , which has made the gap wider for potential homebuyers whose income did not increase by the same percentag e or more. Overall, in 2022, while the City’s median gross rent for 3 - bedroom apartments and larger units exceeded the affordability threshold, studios and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments remained affordable for households earning the stated median income.

Changes in Value, Rent, and Income
2020 2022 % Change
Median Housing Value $ 461,000 $ 593,100 29% Median Gross Rent $ 1,678 $ 1,860 11% Median Household Income $ 77,425 $ 91,259 18% Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 23: Changes in Value, Rent, and Income for Norwalk

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 27 of 76 Median Gross Rent Prices by Bedrooms (2020 and 2022)

Studio 1-Bedroom 2-Bedroom
2020 2022
%
change
2020-
2022
2020 2022
%
change
2020-
2022
2020 2022
%
change
2020-
2022
City $1,289 $1,349 4.65% $1,197 $1,458 21.80% $1,624 $1,809 11.39% County $1,150 $1,374 19.48% $1,307 $1,565 19.74% $1,681 $1,948 15.88% State $1,198 $1,436 19.87% $1,342 $1,611 20.04% $1,623 $1,903 17.25%

3-Bedroom 4-Bedrooms

2020 2022
%
change
2020-
2022
2020 2022
%
change
2020-
2022
City $2,052 $2,356 14.81% $2,313 $2,563 10.81%
County $1,966 $2,286 16.28% $2,222 $2,573 15.80%
State $1,834 $2,144 16.90% $2,193 $2,531 15.41%
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 24: Median Gross Rent Prices by Bedrooms (2020 and 2022)

The tables below show fair market rent s (FMRs) and housing affordability, according to HUD. For comparison purposes to that of FY 2023 income limits, effective May 15, 2023, through May 31, 2024, The FY 2023 FMs are also displayed in the table below. FY 2023 FMRs “were developed and updated starting with the formation of the FMR Areas from the metropolitan Core-Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) as established by the Office of Management and Budget, the newly available 2016 -2020 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year data and updating to FY 2023 including information from local survey data”4.

For a family of four who make less than 30% of the median household income, an affordable rent is $946 per month. FY 2024 Fair market rent for a 3-bedroom home is $3,263. The gap in affordability is $2,317.

An affordable home is $282,921 for an individual who makes between 80% and 120% of the median household income. The Changes in Value, Rent, and Income table shows that the median housing value in 2022 was $593,100. The gap in affordability is $310,179, or more than twice as much as what is considered affordable. This indicates that the average salary in Norwalk is less than half what is needed to afford the average home in recent years.

To afford the median rent in Norwalk of $1,860 without paying more than 30% of income on housing, a household must earn $6,200 monthly or $74,400 annually. Assuming a 40 -hour work week, 52 weeks per year, this income level translates into an hourly wage of $35.77. For individuals making minimum wage, unemployment, or other government programs, the average housing cost is not affordable.

HUD Fair Market Rents (FMRs)
2020 2023 2024 % Change between
2023 & 2024
Efficiency $1,279 $1,534 $1,777 16%
1 bedroom $1,517 $1,747 $2,006 15%
2 bedroom $1,956 $2,222 $2,544 14%
3 bedroom $2,614 $2,888 $3,263 13%
4 bedroom $2,857 $3,170 $3,600 14%
Source FY 2020, 2023, 2024 HUD Fair Market Rent; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Table 24: HUD Fair Market Rents (FMRs)

4 Fair Market Rents (40th PERCENTILE RENTS) | HUD USER

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 28 of 76 Affordability Rent & Mortgage Combined
Affordable Mortgage/Rent Amounts
1 Person 2 Persons 3 Persons 4 Persons
Extremely Low (0%-30%)
Annual Income $26,500.00 $30,300.00 $34,100.00 $37,850.00 Monthly Income $2,208.33 $2,525.00 $2,841.67 $3,154.17
Affordable Purchase Price $84,566.00 $98,026.00 $111,486.00 $124,768.00 Affordable Monthly Rent $662.50 $757.50 $852.50 $946.25 Very Low (30%-50%)
Annual Income $44,150.00 $50,450.00 $56,750.00 $63,050.00 Monthly Income $3,679.17 $4,204.17 $4,729.17 $5,254.17
Affordable Purchase Price $147,083.00 $169,398.00 $191,713.00 $214,028.00 Affordable Monthly Rent $1,103.75 $1,261.25 $1,418.75 $1,576.25 Low (50%-80%)
Annual Income $70,650.00 $80,750.00 $90,850.00 $100,900.00 Monthly Income $5,887.50 $6,729.17 $7,570.83 $8,408.33
Affordable Purchase Price $240,947.00 $276,722.00 $312,497.00 $348,094.00 Affordable Monthly Rent $1,766.25 $2,018.75 $2,271.25 $2,522.50 Moderate (80%-120%)
Annual Income $82,500.00 $94,300.00 $106,050.00 $117,850.00 Monthly Income $6,875.00 $7,858.33 $8,837.50 $9,820.83
Affordable Purchase Price $282,921.00 $324,717.00 $366,336.00 $408,132.00 Affordable Monthly Rent $2,062.50 $2,357.50 $2,651.25 $2,946.25 Source: FY 2023 HUD Income Limit Area; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area Table 25: Affordability Rent & Mortgage Combined

As of 2021, there are 8,524 affordable rental housing units in Norwalk, a 316 -unit decrease from 2020.

Of the affordable housing units, less than 10% are $999 or less. More than half of the affordable housing units rent between $1,000 and $1,999, and almos t one-third of affordable housing units rent for $2,000 or more monthly. The number of units that rented for $2,000 or more increased by 412 from 2020 to 2021.

Affordable Rental Housing Units in Norwalk
2020 2021* % Change between
2020 & 2021
# of Units difference
between 2020 & 2021 Units # % # %
Less than $500 319 3.61% 291 3.41% -9% -28
$500-$999 615 6.96% 548 6.43% -11% -67
$1,000 to $1,999 5521 62.45% 4888 57.34% -11% -633
$2,000 or more 2,385 26.98% 2,797 32.81% 17% 412
Total 8,840 100.00% 8,524 100.00% -4% -316
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; 2017-2021 ACS 5-Year Estimates* (ACS's most current Gross Rent Year is 2021)
Table 26: Affordable Rental Housing Units in Norwalk

While rising housing costs aren’t discriminatory themselves, the shortage of affordable housing limits where residents can live. In the month of June 2024, homes were on the market for less than a month’s time, consistent with the median time on the market for the state and regional county homes. The current median price in Norwalk (See table 29) is about six times ( 6x) that of a 4 -person household's annual income in the moderate (80%-120%) income bracket. Table 28 shows in detail the median home sales prices for the region, as well as for the state.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 29 of 76

Days on the Market
June 2024 Unsold Inventory Index Median Time on Market
State/Region/County 23-Jun 24-Jun 23-Jun 24-Jun
CA Condo/Townhomes 2.1 3.2 15 20
Los Angeles Metropolitan Area 2.1 3.1 19 22
Central Coast 1.7 3 11 16
Central Valley 2.2 3.3 14 24
Far North 6.7 5.1 21 32
Inland Empire 2.5 3.9 27 36
S.F. Bay Area 2.1 3 15 19
Southern California 1.9 3.1 15 20
Southern California 23-Jun 24-Jun 23-Jun 24-Jun
Imperial 0 2.3 3 11
Los Angeles 2 3.4 17 22
Orange 1.8 2.4 17 18
Riverside 2.6 4 30.5 42
San Bernardino 2.1 3.5 15 22
San Diego 1.7 3.1 9 14
Ventura 2.4 3 24 27
Source: County Sales & Price Statistics (Public).xlsx, SFH UII & MTM https://www.car.org/en/marketdata/data/countysalesactivity Last Updated June 2024
Table 27: Days On the Market5

5 Note: The MLS median price and sales data in the table below are generated from a survey of more than 90 associations of REALTORS® throughout the state, and represent statistics of existing single-family detached homes only. sales data are not adjusted to account for seasonal factors that can influence home sales. Movements in sales prices should not be interpreted as changes in the cost of a standard home. Median prices can be influenced by changes in cost, as well as changes in the characteristics and the size of homes sold. Due to the low sales volume in some areas, median price changes may exhibit unusual fluctuation. (Los Angeles Metropolitan Area is a 5- region that includes Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura) (S.F. Bay Area has been redefined to include the following counties:

Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma) (Inland Empire includes Riverside and San Bernardino)

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 30 of 76

Median Home Sales Prices
June 2024 Median Sold Price of Existing Single-Family Homes State/Region/County 23-Jun 24-Jun Price YTY%
Chg
CA SFH (SAAR) $837,850 $900,720 7.50%
CA Condo/Townhomes $650,000 $697,000 7.20%
Los Angeles Metropolitan
Area $775,000 $835,000 7.70%
Central Coast $984,500 $1,072,000 8.90%
Central Valley $480,000 $503,000 4.80%
Far North $380,000 $409,000 7.60%
Inland Empire $570,000 $600,000 5.30%
S.F. Bay Area $1,323,810 $1,400,000 5.80%
Southern California $815,000 $875,000 7.40%
Southern California 23-Jun 24-Jun Price YTY%
Chg
Imperial $378,160 $385,000 1.80%
Los Angeles $832,310 $889,180 6.80%
Orange $1,260,000 $1,450,000 15.10%
Riverside $628,000 $643,500 2.50%
San Bernardino $470,000 $522,500 11.20%
San Diego $958,250 $1,054,180 10.00%
Ventura $927,500 $964,500 4.00%
Source: County Sales & Price Statistics (Public).xlsx, SFH Sales & Price https://www.car.org/en/marketdata/data/countysalesactivity Last Updated June 2024
Table 28: Median Home Sales Prices

Monthly Market Report June 2024 - City of Norwalk, CA
% Chg from Last Year
Median Price $758,000 5.2%
Home Sales 20 17.6%
Active Listings 18 28.6%
Market Competition
Median Days on the Market 20 Days
Sales to List Price % 102.2%
% of Active Listings with Reduced Prices 11%
Source: Housing Market Overview
https://www.car.org/marketdata/interactive/housingmarketoverview Last Updated June 2024
Table 29: Monthly Market Report June 2024 - City of Norwalk, CA

F. Housing Cost Burden
Per HUD, the cost burden is monthly housing expenses, including utilities, exceeding 30% of monthly income. For homeowners, expenses may include association fees, insurance, and property taxes on top of mortgage and utilities. When monthly housing expenses exceed 50% of monthly income, the cost burden is considered severe.

In Norwalk, 9,894, or 37% of households, are cost burdened. Of all the cost-burdened households in Norwalk, 53% are owners, and 47% are renters. There are more owner-occupied households in Norwalk than renters, but not of the same proportions as the cost-burdened owner-to-renter households. Most owner-burdened households spend up to 50% of their income on housing, whereas cost-burdened

HOUSEHOLD COST
BURDEN = 37%
Figure 2. Cost Burden Percent

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 31 of 76 renters in Norwalk are mostly severely cost -burdened, with households spending up over 50% of their income on housing.

Housing Cost Burden Overview
Cost Burden Factor Owner Renter Total
# % # %
Cost Burden > 30% 5,204 53% 4,690 47% 9,894
Cost Burden >30% to <=50% 3,280 59% 2,265 41% 5,545
Cost Burden > 50% 1,924 44% 2,425 56% 4,349
Source: CHAS 2016-2020 Table 8
NOTE: Cost burden is the ratio of housing costs to household income. For renters, housing cost is gross rent (contract rent plus utilities). For owners, housing costs are "select monthly owner costs", which include mortgage payments, utilities, association fees, insurance, and real estate taxes.

Table 30: Housing Cost Burden Overview

Income by Cost Burden (Owners and Renters Combined) Households Cost Burden
>30% to <=50%
Cost Burden
> 50%
# % # % Total
Extremely Low Income (0% - 30%) 780 24% 2,490 76% 3,270 Very Low Income (30%-50%) 1,505 51% 1,420 49% 2,925
Low Income (50%-80%) 2,265 84% 425 16% 2,690
Source: CHAS 2016-2020 Table 8
Table 31: Income by Cost Burden (Owners and Renters Combined) Households

When the data is separated by owners only, the percentages change. The Low-Income households only have a 2% difference in cost -burdened versus severely cost -burdened households. The Very Low Income, cost-burdened owner households are mostly (58%) severely cost-burdened. In Extremely Low- Income, cost -burdened owner households, the percentage of severely cost -burdened households decreases by 11%. This shows that renters with Extremely Low Income are more severely cost-burdened than owners of the same income category.

Income by Cost Burden - OWNERS
Cost Burden
>30% to <=50%
Cost Burden
> 50%
# % # % Total
Extremely Low Income (0% - 30%) 415 35% 780 65% 1,195
Very Low Income (30%-50%) 570 42% 800 58% 1,370
Low Income (50%-80%) 1,520 82% 330 18% 1,850
Total 2,505 1,910 4,415
Source: CHAS 2016-2020 Table 8
Table 32: Income by Cost Burden – OWNERS

The data shows a significant difference in cost burden between owners and renters across various income levels. A “severe cost burden” is defined as spending more than 50% of one’s household income on housing costs like rent, mortgage, and utilities. This makes affording other essentials like food, transportation, and healthcare difficult for those facing “severe cost burden”.

For extremely low-income households (0% - 30%), 65% of owners face a severe cost burden (>50%), compared to 82% of renters. Among very low -income households (30% - 50%), 58% of owners experience a severe cost burden, while only 40% of renters do. In the low-income category (50% - 80%), 18% of owners face a severe cost burden, whereas only 11% of renters do. This may correlate to high

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 32 of 76 mortgages payments and other costs associated with maintaining a home. Overall, renters tend to experience a higher severe cost burden compared to owners, especially in the extremely low -income bracket. The total number of households analyzed is 4,415 for owners and 4,470 for renters.

Income by Cost Burden - RENTERS
Cost Burden
>30% to <=50%
Cost Burden
> 50%
# % # % Total
Extremely Low Income (0% - 30%) 365 18% 1,710 82% 2,075 Very Low Income (30%-50%) 935 60% 620 40% 1,555
Low Income (50%-80%) 745 89% 95 11% 840
Total 2,045 2,425 4,470
Source: CHAS 2016-2020 Table 8
Table 33: Income by Cost Burden – RENTERS

4. Race and Segregation

Residential segregation is a measure of the degree of separation of racial or ethnic groups within a community. An extreme case of segregation would involve a complete division between predominantly high-income, White suburban neighborhoods and low-income, minority inner-city areas.”

A. Dissimilarity Index
The dissimilarity index measures whether one group is distributed across census tracts in the metropolitan area in the same way as another group. A high value indicates that the two groups tend to live in different tracts. The Index ranges from 0 to 100. A value of 60 (or above) is considered very high.

It means that 60% (or more) of the members of one group would need to move to a different tract in order for the two groups to be equally distributed. Values of 40 or 50 are usually considered a moderate level of segregation, and values of 30 or below are low.

There were signs of dissimilarities between white and black residents in the 1980s. The trend shows that after each passing decade, the dissimilarity indices are low. The most current data found for dissimilarity is from 2020. The rise in dissimilarity indices is more likely due to natural settlement patterns rather than intentional segregation.

In the City, a large majority of census tracks and block group include Hispanic residents. Once the 2030 Census is completed, the dissimilarity indices should be reviewed again to see if the 20 20 Census estimates have any accuracy.

Index of Dissimilarity
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
White - Black 47.8 30.1 18.4 17.7 15.1
White - Hispanic 22.0 23.4 18.4 18.5 14.3
White - Asian 22.4 18.4 19.7 21.8 17.1
Black - Hispanic 42.7 30.2 22.0 21.7 20.2
Black - Asian 37.5 24.5 18.2 20.8 20.0
Hispanic - Asian 12.3 15.8 24.1 25.9 22.6
Source: 2020 Diversity and Disparities Index, Brown University https://s4.ad.brown.edu/projects/diversity/segregation2020/city.aspx?cityid=652526 Table 34: Index of Dissimilarity

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 33 of 76

5. Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty

Federal regulations require grantees of HUD Community Planning and Development programs to identify and describe any areas within their jurisdiction that are concentrations of racial or ethnic minorities and low-income families. These areas are known as racially/ethnically concentrated areas of poverty (RCAPs and ECAPs).

Data was collected for census block groups to analyze the RCAPs/ECAPs in the City at a meaningful geographic scale. The city could not identify low to moderate concentrations meeting the threshold of 51 percent of residents who are low-income at the tract level. Block group data was collected from the 2016- 2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, which HUD currently uses for its most up -to-date low- to moderate-income designations. Of all 74 Norwalk’s Census Tract Block Groups, 46 of the block groups are LMI.

For the purpose of this analysis, racial minorities are all ACS respondents who identified as a race other than white, and ethnic minorities are all those who claimed Hispanic origins. As shown in Table 36, there are (38) block groups in the City that qualify as RCAPs and (42) block groups that are ECAPs. Of the LMI block groups, the block group with the highest concentration of racial minorities is block group (5503.01 Block 2) at (92.66%) and (5503.01 Block 4) at (96.85%) ethnic minorities.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 34 of 76 RCAP Block Groups (38)
Tract Block
Group
%
Racial
Minority
LMI%

Tract Block
Group
%
Racial
Minority
LMI%
5501.01 1 66.68% 54.90% 5522 4 71.83% 52.40%
5501.01 2 56.37% 64.30% 5523.01 2 77.18% 50.20%
5501.01 3 56.65% 55.70% 5523.01 3 53.14% 82.70%
5502.01 2 54.45% 62.10% 5523.02 2 66.31% 91.90%
5502.02 1 56.79% 54.20% 5523.02 3 28.10% 60.70%
5502.02 2 58.59% 72.90% 5524 1 61.81% 77.20%
5502.02 3 62.35% 56.20% 5527 1 62.80% 74.10%
5502.02 4 60.91% 91.00% 5527 4 77.79% 98.00%
5503.01 1 31.89% 64.80% 5527 5 66.22% 75.50%
5503.01 2 92.66% 76.50% 5528 2 72.21% 63.40%
5503.01 3 91.89% 74.90% 5528 3 55.67% 80.50%
5503.01 4 34.25% 68.70% 5528 4 63.49% 58.00%
5519 1 59.39% 51.90% 5529 1 65.48% 55.20%
5519 4 61.06% 63.00% 5529 3 62.44% 68.50%
5520.01 2 67.38% 57.20% 5529 4 79.31% 56.00%
5520.01 3 45.79% 52.10% 5529 5 48.52% 70.10%
5520.02 1 64.95% 51.50% 5530 2 54.30% 52.00%
5521 1 66.85% 70.70% 5547 1 71.70% 54.20%
5521 2 88.34% 51.70% 5547 2 78.28% 70.10%
5521 3 67.24% 92.60% 5553 2 46.67% 81.80%
5521 4 58.92% 51.50% 5553 4 59.47% 60.20%
5522 2 60.90% 90.20% 5778 2 32.79% 67.50%
5522 3 82.16% 60.20% 5778 3 46.29% 56.80%
Source: ACS-2020-Low-Mod-Summarized-All-Block-Groups-2023_Block Groups for All Entitlement CDBG Grantees-NORWALK;
2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; Tables B02001 RACE & ACS-2020-Low-Mod- Summarized-All-Block-Groups-2023
Table 35: RCAP Block Groups (38)

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 35 of 76 ECAP Block Groups (42)
Tract Block
Group
%
Ethnic
Minority
LMI%

Tract Block
Group
%
Ethnic
Minority
LMI%
5501.01 1 61.23% 54.90% 5522 4 73.09% 52.40%
5501.01 2 88.06% 64.30% 5523.01 2 51.81% 50.20%
5501.01 3 81.16% 55.70% 5523.01 3 84.90% 82.70%
5502.01 2 75.00% 62.10% 5523.02 2 47.78% 91.90%
5502.02 1 72.09% 54.20% 5523.02 3 33.42% 60.70%
5502.02 2 75.17% 72.90% 5524 1 83.17% 77.20%
5502.02 3 61.38% 56.20% 5527 1 51.73% 74.10%
5502.02 4 79.61% 91.00% 5527 4 61.01% 98.00%
5503.01 1 56.56% 64.80% 5527 5 74.45% 75.50%
5503.01 2 30.16% 76.50% 5528 2 61.56% 63.40%
5503.01 3 90.47% 74.90% 5528 3 73.98% 80.50%
5503.01 4 96.85% 68.70% 5528 4 71.52% 58.00%
5519 1 75.74% 51.90% 5529 1 79.26% 55.20%
5519 4 52.91% 63.00% 5529 3 64.77% 68.50%
5520.01 2 69.40% 57.20% 5529 4 65.48% 56.00%
5520.01 3 71.90% 52.10% 5529 5 47.80% 70.10%
5520.02 1 56.27% 51.50% 5530 2 79.62% 52.00%
5521 1 72.65% 70.70% 5547 1 73.01% 54.20%
5521 2 68.88% 51.70% 5547 2 71.69% 70.10%
5521 3 75.36% 92.60% 5553 2 69.54% 81.80%
5521 4 73.32% 51.50% 5553 4 63.91% 60.20%
5522 2 84.26% 90.20% 5778 2 66.73% 67.50%
5522 3 59.72% 60.20% 5778 3 68.03% 56.80%
Source: ACS-2020-Low-Mod-Summarized-All-Block-Groups-2023_Block Groups for All Entitlement CDBG Grantees-NORWALK;
2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; Tables B03003 Ethnicity; ACS-2020-Low-Mod-Summarized-All-Block-Groups-2023
Table 36: ECAP Block Groups (42)

6. Income, Workforce, and Employment Profile

An “Income, Workforce, and Employment Profile” is a valuable tool for analyzing housing needs within a community. It examines demographic data, income levels, and employment trends, providing insights into disparities and opportunities. Policymakers can use this information to devel op targeted strategies for addressing housing challenges and ensuring fair housing choices for residents across different income groups.

A. Median Household Income
The median household income for Norwalk in 2022 was $91,259. Between 2020 and 2022, the median household income increased by 17.87%. However, the median household income is more than 7% lower

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 36 of 76 than the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale Metropolitan area median household income as calculated by HUD for 2024.

Median Household Income
2020 2022 % Change
$77,425 $91,259 17.87%
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 37: Median Household Income

2024 HUD Median Income Limits
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area
Median
Family
Income
Income
Limit
Persons in Family
1 person
2 person
3 person 4 person 5 person 6 person 7 Person 8
Person
$98,200
Extremely
Low
(0-30%)
$29,150 $33,300 $37,450 $41,600 $44,950 $48,300 $51,600 $54,950 Very Low
(30%-50%) $48,550 $55,450 $62,400 $69,350 $74,900 $80,450 $86,000 $91,550 Low
(50%-80%) $77,700 $88,800 $99,900 $110,950 $119,850 $128,750 $137,600 $146,50 0 Source: 2024 HUD Median Income Limit
Table 38: 2024 HUD Median Income Limits

B. Income by Household Characteristic
In Norwalk, 13,115 households are considered either Low-Income, Very-Low-Income or Extremely Low- Income. This is about half of all households in Norwalk. Of these households, 66% are owners, and the other 34% are renters.

Household Income
Owner Rental Total
Income Limit Bracket # % of Total
Across # % of Total
Across Total Across
Extremely Low Income (0%-30%) 1885 44% 2,415 56% 4,300
Very Low Income (30%-50%) 2280 53% 2,000 47% 4,280
Low Income (50%-80%) 4,470 99% 65 1% 4,535
Total 8,635 66% 4,480 34% 13,115
Source CHAS 2016-2020
Table 39: Household Income

These proportions are about the same as the proportion of owners versus renters in Norwalk (68% versus 32% of total households). However, when the total number of owners and renters whose income limit is extremely, very, and low, each category is about slightly less than 50% of its respective total population.

Household Tenure & Income Limit Bracket Comparison
Tenure 2020 % of total
households
2020 Total #
Income Limit:

Extremely, Very, Low
% Income
Comparison
to Tenure
Households 26,748 100% 13,115 49.03%
Owner-Occupied 17,680 66.1% 8,635 48.84%
Renter-Occupied 9,068 33.9% 4,480 49.41%
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates & CHAS 2016-2020 Table 40: Household Tenure & Income Limit Bracket Comparison

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 37 of 76 C. Income by Race/Ethnicity
When looking at median household income per racial and ethnic groups, all but two groups have a higher median income than the overall Norwalk median household income. The groups with a lower median household income than the City are “Some other race” and “2 or more races.” No median household income was provided at the source for the Native Hawaiian group. The group with the high est median household income in 2022 for Norwalk were Native Americans.

Median Household Income Per Race/Ethnicity
Race/Ethnicity 2020 2022 % Change
White $82,246 $96,390 17%
Black or African American $85,275 $97,538 14%
Native American - $106,000 N/A
Asian $78,596 $95,268 21%
Native Hawaiian $69,121 - N/A
Some other race $69,932 $87,415 25%
2 or More Races $83,801 $85,714 2%
Hispanic $77,127 $91,472 19%
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates; 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Table 41: Median Household Income Per Race/Ethnicity

D. Employment
The top employer of Norwalk residents is the County of Los Angeles, which exceeds the second -top employer by 42.41%. Six out of the top eleven major employers in Norwalk are in the educational services, health care, and social assistance industries.

Top Employers
Major Employers # of
Employees Industry
County of Los Angeles 2280 Public administration
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District 1237 Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Cerritos College 1364 Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Metropolitan State Hospital 1601 Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder 1216 Public administration Coast Plaza Doctors Hospital 500 Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Freeway Insurance Services 516 Other services, except public administration
City of Norwalk 423 Public administration
Little Lake City School District 361 Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Costco Wholesale 336 Retail trade
Coast Plaza Hospital 313 Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Source: City of Norwalk 2021-2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Table 42: Top Employers

The civilian employed population 16 years and over in Norwalk is 48,315. The largest industry in Norwalk, employing 22.45% of the workforce, is educational services, followed by health care and social assistance. The industry with the highest median earnings, which only employs 1.69% of Norwalk’s workforce, is the information industry.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 38 of 76 The City created and adopted in 2018 an Economic Development Opportunities Plan (EDOP) that builds upon the City’s General Plan; in October 2023, the City Council adopted the EDOP update 6. The Plan, at the time developed, notes the following:

• The median age in the City is 34.3 years old, and 22% of the population has earned a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
• The population declined by 8% from 2017 to 2022 , and the number of households decreased slightly.
• The average household income is 98,800.
• The average home value was recorded at $668,000.
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment increased by nearly 200%, from 4.4% in 2019 to

13.1% in 2020; unemployment has since decreased and reached pre -pandemic levels by November 2022.
• Most people who work in the City are employed in health care and social assistance, educational services, and retail.
• Most employees commute to Los Angeles, Santa Fe Springs, Long Beach, Anaheim, and Cerritos, thus yielding a net outflow of jobs.
• Employees who work in Norwalk are arriving from Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Downey, and La Mirada.
• There are opportunities to attract/retain commercial businesses, and to redevelop vacant buildings/parcels along Firestone Blvd.
• Transit-oriented development opportunities will connect to the Norwalk/Sante Fe Springs Metrolink station.

Workforce by Industry
# of Total
Industry % Share Median
earnings
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 209 0.43% $23,750 Construction 2,680 5.55% $37,366
Manufacturing 5,605 11.60% $43,640
Wholesale trade 2,118 4.38% $42,188
Retail trade 6,043 12.51% $27,035
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 4,065 8.41% $35,876 Information 816 1.69% $55,806
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental
and leasing 2,332 4.83% $41,736
Professional, scientific, and management, and
administrative and waste management services 4,228 8.75% $43,301 Educational services, and health care and social
assistance 10,845 22.45% $35,882
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and
accommodation and food services 4,966 10.28% $18,318
Other services, except public administration 2,436 5.04% $31,202 Public administration 1,972 4.08% $54,971
Total 48,315
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 43: Workforce by Industry

According to the 2022 ACS, full-time Female employees make up 40.4% of the workforce, and Male employees make up 59.6% of the workforce. The ACS tells us that approximately 9.02% of Norwalk, CA, residents have an income below the poverty level, a number that is lower than the national average of

12.5%. The approximation is based on the population for whom the poverty status is determined in

6 Kosmont - Norwalk EDOP Update - Adopted 10-17-23

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 39 of 76 Norwalk, CA (9.08k out of 101k people). The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in the City is Hispanic, followed by Other and White. The largest demographic living in poverty are Males 55 - 64, followed by Males 25 - 34 and then Females 25 - 34. In the City, Male employees make a 25% higher average salary than Female employees.

Occupation - Full-Time
Year-Round Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over # %
Male 20,921 59.6%
Female 14,170 40.4%
Total 35,091 100%
Source:2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 44: Occupation - Full-Time

Median Salary Per Gender
City County
Median Men Salary: $45,720 Median Men Salary: $47,597
Median Women Salary: $36,475 Median Women Salary: $39,306 Source: 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates
https://datausa.io/profile/geo/norwalk-ca/#economy
Table 45: Average Salary Per Gender

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2022 are Public Administration ($76,446), Information ($64,325), and Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services ($59,629). The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2022 a re Information ($61,875), Public Administration ($55,140), and Construction ($48,958).

Figure 3. Median Earnings by Industry Source 2018-2022 5-Year Estimates Source Line: https://datausa.io/profile/geRo/norwalk-ca/#economy

C. Unemployment
The unemployment rate among Norwalk residents 16 years and older is 5.5%. Unemployment rates per race/ethnicity vary from 2.4% to 14.50%. In Norwalk, the racial or ethnic group with the lowest unemployment rate is Black or African American , and the group with the highest unemployment rate is American Indian and Alaska Native.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 40 of 76 Unemployment
Race/Ethnicity Percent
White 5.50
Black or African American 2.40
American Indian and Alaska Native 14.50
Asian 4.20
Native Hawaiian 2.70
Some other race 5.80
2 or more races 9.10
Hispanic 6.20
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 4.00
Source: 2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 46: Unemployment

7. Transportation Profile

When analyzing housing challenges, it’s
essential to consider how public transit and
train systems impact housing location,
availability, and accessibility. By studying local
transportation and employment data, we can
identify intersections between transit networks
and housing opportunities, ensuring fair
choices for all residents, especially those in
protected classes.

A. Public Transit
The City is served by Norwalk Transit, a
municipal transit company providing fixed-route
and paratransit bus transit services within the
City and neighboring municipalities , including
portions of Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, El
Monte, Industry, La Habra, La Mirada, South El
Monte and Whittier in Southeast Los Angeles
County and Orange County. The Transit
system includes six permanent routes: Route 1-
Rio Hondo/Bellflower; Route 2- C Line (Green
Line) Station/183rd/Gridley Street ; Route 3 -
Gateway Plaza/Norwalk/166th Street; Route 4-
Imperial Highway/Metrolink Station/
C Line Station; Route 5- Rosecrans Avenue/C
Line Station; and Route 7- C Line Station/El
Monte Station.

An adult fare is currently $1.25. Discounts are available for children, students, seniors , and people with disabilities.

B. Train Servies
The transit system also includes two regional transit stations and a connector bus service. Metrolink is a passenger commuter rail service between Orange County and Los Angeles with weekday train service Figure 4. Norwalk Transit - Source: Norwalk.org

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 41 of 76 to the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Transportation Center in the western portion of the City. Shuttle bus service is available from City Hall parking garage and the Norwalk Metrolink station. City Hall serves as a convenient hub linking Norwalk Transit service with overflow parking with the regional rail station. Metro Green is a light rail passenger service between Norwalk and Redondo Beach. The Metro Green station is located near the eastern boundary of the City and is served by several fixed-route bus lines. A rail feeder service implemented by Norwalk Transit provides direct interconnectivity between rail stations (Metrolink – commuter rail and Metro Green light rail).

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 42 of 76 CHAPTER 4: Lending Practices

Lending practices significantly impact fair housing choice. Equity in money lending from financial service organizations—such as credit unions, banks, credit card companies, and insurance firms —is crucial.

These services are essential for accessing credit financing, including mortgages, home equity, and home repair loans. Ensuring equal access to information about financial services is also important.

Unfortunately, gaps in financial services can expose residents to predatory lending practices. Limited access to quality banking and financial services may harm an individual’s credit and overall homeownership sustainability. While this chapter reviews len ding practices, it’s important to note that jurisdictional control over lending is restricted by federal laws and regulations.

1. Laws Governing Lending

Laws and regulations play a critical role in shaping lending practices and ensuring equitable access to financial services. These regulations cover various aspects, including real estate lending standards, appraisal requirements, and rules governing banks’ ownership or control of financial subsidiaries.

A. Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)
The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), enacted in 1977, requires the Federal Reserve and other federal banking regulators to encourage financial institutions to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they do business, including low- and moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods.

B. Bank Regulators for the CRA
Three federal banking agencies, or regulators, are responsible for the CRA. Banks that have CRA obligations are supervised by one of these three regulators. Each regulator has a dedicated CRA site that provides information about the banks they oversee and those banks' CRA ratings and Performance Evaluations. Regulators are as follows:
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
• Federal Reserve Board (FRB)
• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)

C. Federal Reserve’s Role
The Federal Reserve supervises state member banks, which are state-chartered banks accepted into the Federal Reserve System, to ensure compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).

To carry out its role, the Federal Reserve must:
• Examine state member banks to evaluate and rate their performance under the CRA; • Consider banks' CRA performance in context with other supervisory information when analyzing applications for mergers, acquisitions, and branch openings; and • Share information about community development techniques with bankers and the public.

Table 47 is the CRA's rating of banks for LA County. An institution’s CRA Rating is determined using a four-tiered system: Outstanding, Satisfactory, Needs to Improve, and Substantial Noncompliance. In LA County - Norwalk, banks rated by the CRA received equally an ‘outstanding’ and a ‘satisfactory’ rating.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 43 of 76 CRA Rating for LA County
Bank Name Overall CRA Rating California CRA Rating
Bank of America Outstanding Outstanding
Bank of the West Satisfactory Satisfactory
Citibank Satisfactory Outstanding
JPMorgan Chase Satisfactory Outstanding
MUFG Union Outstanding Satisfactory
Wells Fargo Outstanding Outstanding
Source: CRA ratings for LA County
https://ttc.lacounty.gov/treasury-partners-banks-cra-rating/ Table 47: CRA Rating for LA County

Table 48 is the CRA ratings of banks for the City of Norwalk . Both Cerritos Valley Bank and Santa Fe National Bank received a “satisfactory’ rating.

CRA Rating for Norwalk
Bank Name Overall CRA Rating
Cerritos Valley Bank Satisfactory
Santa Fe National Bank Satisfactory
Source: FFIEC CRA Ratings for Norwalk
https://www.ffiec.gov/craratings/
Table 48: CRA Rating for Norwalk

2. Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA)

The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) mandates that financial institutions maintain, report, and publicly disclose loan-level information about mortgages. These data reveal whether lenders are meeting their communities’ housing needs, inform public officials for decision-making and policy formulation, and highlight potentially discriminatory lending patterns. To protect the privacy of the applicant and borrower, the public data undergoes modifications. HMDA, initially enacted by Congress in 1975, is implemented through Regulation C.

3. Government-Backed Loans

Many approved loans are government-backed, and they come in various types of loans. These include loans from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), VA Home Loans, and the Rural Housing Services/Farm Service Agency (RHA/FSA).

A. Federal Housing Administration
Loans from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans have been helping people become homeowners since 1934. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) - which is part of HUD - insures the loan, so your lender can offer you a better deal. Advantages of FHA include:
• Low down payments
• Low closing costs
• Easy credit qualifying

B. Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loans
VA loans help current and former service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 44 of 76 homeowners. As part of their mission, they provide a home loan guarantee benefit and other housing - related programs to help buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for personal occupancy. VA Home Loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies. VA guarantees a portion of the loan, enabling the lender to provide more favorable terms.

C. Rural Housing Services/Farm Service Agency (RHA/FSA) FSA/RHS-guaranteed USDA’s Rural Housing Service offers a variety of programs to build or improve housing and essential community facilities in rural areas. They provide loans, grants, and loan guarantees for single- and multi-family housing, childcare centers, fire and police stations, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, schools, first responder vehicles and equipment, and housing for farm laborers. The FSA/RHS also provides technical assistance loans and grants in partnership with non -profit organizations, Indian tribes, state and federal government agencies, and local communities.

4. Conventional Loans

A conventional loan is a mortgage not sponsored by the government but available through private lenders. These loans constitute the majority of mortgages issued. Some conventional loans must meet the requirements of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two largest buyers of mortgage loans in the United States.

Studies based on Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data reveal that commercial banks and thrift institutions lend less to low -income and predominantly minority -concentrated areas. Additionally, a significant portion of home purchase loans in predominantly minority middle-income neighborhoods are government-backed. However, this pattern does not hold for white neighborhoods with similar incomes.

Such practices, known as redlining, may constitute discrimination and create barriers to fair housing.

5. Lending Findings

In analyzing the HMDA data obtained from FFIEC, for county 06037 Los Angeles, including the Census Tracts in the City of Norwalk, several findings revealed implications of potential impediments to fair housing. For Norwalk residents, 88.6% of applications were conventional bank home mortgages. In 2022, 1,393 of the 2,666 conventional loan applications were approved, which is 52% of all conventional loan applications. Fewer than 19% of all loans were FHA and VA loans.

In 2022, of the 3,269 loan applications, 1,672 (51.1%) loans were approved, while 557 (17%) of those loans were denied, and 725 (22.2%) of those loans were withdrawn, closed and/or incomplete. The data shows that most loans in the city are for home refinancing (36.49%) versus 27.16% for actual purchase of a home.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 45 of 76 Selected Census Tract from the 2022 FFIEC HMDA
6037550101 6037552400
6037550201 6037552601
6037550202 6037552602
6037550301 6037552700
6037551900 6037552800
6037552001 6037552900
6037552022 6037553000
6037552100 6037554600
6037552200 6037554700
6037552301 6037555300
6037552302 6037577800
Source: 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure
Act_county_06037.CSV
Table 49: Selected Census Tract from the 2022 FFIEC HMDA

Loan Type - Total Applicants
Loan Type Number of Applicants % of Applicants
Conventional 2,666 81.55%
FHA 506 15.48%
VA 1 0.03%
FSA/RHS 96 2.94%
Total 3,269 100.00%
Source: 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act_loan type Table 50: Loan Type - Total Applicants

The distribution of loan types was among 3,269 total applicants. The majority, 81.55%, applied for conventional loans, totaling 2,666 applicants. FHA loans were the next most common, with 506 applicants making up 15.48% of the total. FSA/RHS loans accounted for 2.94% with 96 applicants. VA loans were the least common, with only 1 applicant, representing 0.03% of the total. This data highlights the predominance of conventional loans among applicants.

Action by Lender
#
KEY Action Number of Applicants % of
Applicants
1 Loan originated7 1,582 48.39%
2 Application approved but not accepted 89 2.72%
3 Application denied 557 17.04%
4 Application withdrawn by applicant 482 14.74%
5 File closed for incompleteness 243 7.43%
6 Purchased loan8 315 9.64%
7 Preapproval request denied 0 0.00%
8 Preapproval request approved but not accepted 1 0.03% Total 3,269 100.00%
Source: 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act action taken Table 51: Action by Lender

7 Loan origination is a pivotal process in the mortgage lending industry where borrowers apply for financing, typically for significant purchases like homes. This step involves submitting various financial documents to a mortgage lender, such as tax returns, payment history, credit card details, and bank statements. These documents help lenders assess the borrower’s eligibility for a specific type of loan and determine the applicable interest rate. Source: AD Mortgage. Loan originated indicates the loan process was completed. 8 There is no specific definition regarding a "purchased loan" or "purchasing entity" under Regulation C; however, generally, this refers to a loan bought/acquired by an entity that did not make the credit decision for granting the original loan request. For information regarding the differences between originating a loan and purchasing a loan, refer to the commentary provided in the regulation Source: ICE Mortgage Technology. Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA)/Reg C | ICE Mortgage Technology

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 46 of 76 Loan Application, Denials, Percentage
Total Number of
Applications
Total Number of
Denials
Overall
Denial Rate %
3,269 557 17.03%
Source: 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
Table 52: Loan Application, Denials, Percentage

Purpose of Loan Applied For
Purpose Number of Applicants % of Applicants
Purchase 888 27.16%
Home Improvement 368 11.26%
Refinance 529 16.18%
Other 286 8.75%
NA 5 0.15%
Cash-out Refinancing 1193 36.49%
Total 3,269 100.00%
Source: 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act: loan_purpose Table 53: Purpose of Loan Applied For
A. Refinancing
Refinancing involves replacing an existing mortgage with a new loan. People typically refinance to lower their monthly payments, reduce their interest rate, or switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed- rate mortgage. In 2022, 529 loans were applied for refinancing, and 1,193 loans were for cash -out refinancing, a total of 1,722.

B. Home Improvement
A home improvement loan is used for remodeling or repairing a private residence. It is typically short - term and may or may not be secured by the homes it finances. Secured home improvement loans generally offer lower interest rates. In 2022, 368 loans were applied for home improvement purposes.

C. Demographics of Loan Applicants
The racial demographics of loan applicants reveal curious patterns. Among the applicants, White residents make up approximately 44% of the total loan applicants. According to the 2018 -2022 ACS 5– Year Estimate, 27% of the City is White and not Hispanic, mak ing their representation of applicants uneven by 17.03% with their respective percentage of the City’s Population. Whereas the approval rating for other races – Black, Asian, Native American, Hawaiian, their numbers of applicants were proportionate to their population in the City; except Multi race. The data illustrates that the minority with the highest denial percentage is Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Island; given the small sample size in relation to the total applicants, the high denial percentage rate will not be an impediment. Approximately a third of the applicant's race was not available; it can significantly impact the analysis and monitoring of racial disparities in lending practices.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 47 of 76 Current Race & Ethnicity Comparison % of Total Population Race/Ethnicity 2022 Year 2022 % of the
total population
White 27,892 27%
Black or African American 4,617 5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,711 2%
Asian 13,691 13%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 692 1%
Some other race 40,237 39%
Two or more races 13,053 13%
Total 101,893 100%
Hispanic 70,692 69%
Non-Hispanic 31,201 31%
Source: 2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Table 54: Current Race & Ethnicity Comparison % of Total Population

Racial Demographics of Loan Applicants
Race Number of
Applicants
% of
Applicants Approved % Denied %
White 1,465 44.81% 886 60.5% 234 16.0%
Black or African American 115 3.52% 52 45.2% 32 27.8%
Asian 388 11.87% 203 52.3% 88 22.7%
American Indian or
Alaska Native 23 0.70% 10 43.5% 3 13.0%
Native Hawaiian or Other
Pacific Islander 22 0.67% 10 45.5% 7 31.8%
2 or more minority races 6 0.18% 4 66.7% 1 16.7%
Joint 54 1.65% 33 61.1% 6 11.1%
Free from Text only 3 0.09% 0 0.0% 3 100.0%
Race Not Available 1193 36.49% 474 39.7% 183 15.3%
Total 3,269 100.00% 1672 51.1% 557 17.0%
Source: 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act: derived_race Table 55: Racial Demographics of Loan Applicants

Ethnic Demographics of Loan Applicants
Ethnicity Number of Applicants % of Applicants
Hispanic 1,509 46.16%
Non-Hispanic 816 24.96%
NA 944 28.88%
Total 3,269 100.00%
Source: 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
Table 56: Ethnic Demographics of Loan Applicants

D. Income of Loan Applicants
The 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Data reports the gross annual income used to make credit decisions. If no decision was made, it refers to the income used during the application process. In total, 10.80% (353 out of 3,269) of applications fall into the Unknown category.

More than half, 51.21% (1,674 out of 3,269), of applications are from applicants in the ‘Moderate and Above (>80%)’ income category, indicating incomes above $95,300. Additionally, 23.52% (769 out of 3,269) of applications are in the ‘Low (51 -80%)’ income category. The ‘Very Low (31 -50%)’ and ‘Extremely Low (0-30%)’ categories have fewer applications, with 8.99% (294 of 3,269) and 5.48% (179

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 48 of 76 of 3,269) of applications, respectively. These statistics highlight the distribution of applicants across different income levels, providing a clear picture of the income demographics.

Applicants by Income Level
2022 Income Limits
Categories
Income
Levels
Number of
Applications
%
Applications
Extremely Low (0-30%) $35,750.00 179 5.48%
Very low (31-50%) $59,550.00 294 8.99%
Low (51-80%) $95,300.00 769 23.52%
Moderate and Above (>80%) $95,301 and
above 1,674 51.21%
Unknown9 N/A 353 10.80%
Total 3,269 100.00%
Source: FY 2022 Income Limit Area Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area & 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act_income
Table 58: Applicants by Income Level

Top Reasons for Denial
Reason # of Denials % of Denials
Debt to Income Ratio 214 38.42%
Employment History 5 0.90%
Credit History 124 22.26%
Collateral 37 6.64%
Insufficient Cash 12 2.15%
Unverifiable Information 27 4.85%
Credit Application Incomplete 89 15.98%
Mortgage Insurance Denied 0 0.00%
Other 49 8.80%
Total 557 100.00%
Source: 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
Public HMDA - LAR Data Fields | HMDA Documentation (cfpb.gov) https://ffiec.cfpb.gov/documentation/publications/loan-level-datasets/lar-data-fields Table 57: Top Reasons for Denial

Finally, the lenders with the highest denial rates in the City are listed in Table 60. Since the 2020 AI for Norwalk, the top ten lenders from the 2018 Lending Patterns were also listed among the top ten lenders in the 2022 FFIEC HMDA report: United Shore Financial Services, LLC, Broker Solutions, INC., JPMorgan Chase Bank, and National Association.

The lenders with the highest denial rates for mortgage applications. SPRING EQ, LLC tops the list with a denial rate of 66.7%, followed by the Credit Union of Southern California at 54.5%. Bank of America, National Association, has a significant number of applications (160) with a denial rate of 49.4%. Other notable lenders include MUFG Union Bank and Bank of the West, with denial rates of 42.3% and 40.0%, respectively. The data indicates that larger institutions like Bank of America and U.S. Bank National Association, despite having more applications, still exhibit high denial rates. This trend suggests that both smaller and larger lenders can have substantial denial rates, potentially reflecting stringent lending criteria or applicant profile.

9 “Unknown” reports on the number of applications where income levels were not verified and did not show on various credit reports obtained.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 49 of 76

Lenders with Highest Denial Rates
Rank Lenders10 Applications Denials %
1 SPRING EQ, LLC 54 36 66.7%
2 CREDIT UNION OF SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA 22 12 54.5%
3 BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION 160 79 49.4%
4 MUFG UNION BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION 26 11 42.3%
5 BANK OF THE WEST 30 12 40.0%
6 OCMBC, INC. 37 14 37.8%
7 U.S. BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION 105 39 37.1%
8 AMERISAVE MORTGAGE
CORPORATION 44 14 31.8%
9 NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 23 7 30.4%
10 DISCOVER BANK 30 9 30.0%
Source: 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
Table 580: Lenders with Highest Denial Rates

As shown in Table 61, of all the top ten lenders, two were also listed as lenders with the highest denial rates: Bank of America National Association and U.S. Bank National Association.

top Ten Lenders
Lender
Name
Total Approved Denied Withdrawn/
Closed
# of applications
Market Share
"Loan Originated"
"Application approved
but not accepted"
"Preapproval request
approved but
not accepted"

"Application denied"
"Application
withdrawn by
applicant & File closed
for incompleteness"
#
#
#
Total #
% of Total
applications
of lender
#
% of Total
applications
of lender
#
% of Total
applications
of lender

UNITED SHORE

FINANCIAL

SERVICES, LLC
291 8.9% 228 3 0 231 79.4% 26 8.9% 33 11.3%
ROCKET

MORTGAGE,
LLC
186 5.7% 139 6 1 146 78.5% 20 10.8% 20 10.8%

10 This report shows the lenders with a minimum of 20 applications meeting the selected criteria. Data used in this analysis are taken from the 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Purchases were ignored when calculating ratios.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 50 of 76

BANK OF

AMERICA,

NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION
160 4.9% 52 1 0 53 33.1% 79 49.4% 27 16.9%
SCHOOLSFIRST 106 3.2% 78 1 0 79 74.5% 8 7.5% 19 17.9%
U.S. BANK

NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION
105 3.2% 43 0 0 43 41.0% 39 37.1% 18 17.1%
NEWREZ LLC 71 2.2% 12 0 0 12 16.9% 16 22.5% 22 31.0%

JPMORGAN

CHASE BANK,

NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION
68 2.1% 38 2 0 40 58.8% 4 5.9% 18 26.5%
BROKER

SOLUTIONS,
INC.
63 1.9% 34 0 0 34 54.0% 0 0.0% 29 46.0%

HOME POINT

FINANCIAL

CORPORATION
59 1.8% 34 0 0 34 57.6% 7 11.9% 5 8.5%

PENNYMAC
LOAN

SERVICES, LLC
59 1.8% 12 0 0 12 20.3% 9 15.3% 21 35.6%
All other Lender's
Applicants 2101 64.3% 912 76 0 988 47.0% 349 16.6% 513 24.4% Total 3269 100.0% 1582 89 1 1672 51.1% 557 17.03% 725 22.2% Source: 2022 FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act County 06037 - Los Angeles county - California Table 591: Top Ten Lenders

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 51 of 76 CHAPTER 5: Public Practice

Public policies established at the federal, state, and local levels can affect housing development and , therefore, may have an impact on the range and location of housing choices available to residents. Fair housing laws are designed to encourage an inclusive living environment and active community participation. An assessment of public policies and practic es enacted by jurisdictions within the collaborating entities can help determine potential impediments to fair housing opportunity. This section presents an overview of government regulations, policies, and practices enacted by each of the jurisdictions that may impact fair housing choice.

The General Plan of a jurisdiction establishes a vision for the community and provides long-range goals and policies to guide the development in achieving that vision. Two of the seven state mandated. General Plan elements – Housing and Land Use Elements – have direct impact on the local housing market in terms of the amount and range of housing choice. The local Zoning Ordinance, which implements the Land Use Element, is another important document th at influences the amount and type of housing available in a community – the availability of housing choice.

In 2018, the County developed a ‘City Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness: A Guide 11’ for local municipalities. This plan serves as a model for addressing homelessness, promoting subsidized housing opportunities, securing funding, enhancing income, providing case management services, and expanding affordable and homeless housing. The County’s objective is to create 8,000-10,000 supportive housing units over the next decade. In late 2018, California’s ‘No Place Like Home’ bond was introduced to support permanent supportive housing initiatives. Additionally, in August 2018, Los Angeles County published the City Homeless Plans12 of all the City’s responses to the County’s development of the guide.

The City of Norwalk prepared its own strategic plan to address homelessness, titled “From Streets to Stability: A Strategic Action Plan to Address Homelessness in the City of Norwalk”. This report analyzed the current homeless needs in the community and outlined how Norwalk intends to allocate and advocate for resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This report was adopted by City Council on November 18, 2023, and established the following goals:

• Increase inventory of supportive housing
• Strengthen outreach efforts to provide a swift and targeted response • Advance prevention programs to stop low -income and at -risk residents from falling into homelessness
• Improve data tracking capabilities and report progress against performance measurements • Drive better outcomes through communication efforts, legislative action, and funding optimization

Lastly, the City of Norwalk prepared a Strategic Plan for 2023 -2025, which established the priorities of the City Council and outlined goals and objectives that responded to the community’s needs. This report was adopted by City Council on June 6, 2023, and the following goals were implemented:

• Provide high quality customer service to the community • Work in partnership with the Norwalk community to achieve safe and livable neighborhoods • Create and sustain a resilient and economically prosperous city • Support sustainability and climate resilience throughout the community

11 6-Planning-Guide_City-Homelessness-Plan.docx (live.com) 12 All-Cities-Homeless-Plans_8.31.18-pdf.pdf (lacounty.gov)

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 52 of 76

1. Housing Element Law and Compliance

The Housing Element of the General Plan is subject to review by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for compliance with State law. All economic segments of the community must be taken into consideration. Local governments must regulate housing development to adequately address the housing needs and demands of their communities. Requirements of the Housing Element are to:

• Identify adequate sites that will be made available through appropriate zoning and development standards and with services and facilities needed to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of types of housing for all income levels in order to meet the community’s housing goals; • Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of low - and moderate-income households;
• Address, and, where appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing;
• Conserve and improve the condition of the existing affordable housing stock and • Promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or any other arbitrary factor.

The City of Norwalk’s 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element was adopted as of February 21, 2023, and was found in substantial compliance with California Code Section 65590 et seq as of November 23, 2023.

However, the State of California decertified the Housing Element on October 2, 2024, due to misinterpretations of State regulations as it relates to several housing laws, including, but not limited to, the Housing Crisis Act (HCA), the Anti-Discrimination in Land Use Law, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), and the Housing Element Law. The City is working with the State to address and resolve these concerns. The goals stated in the Housing Element that impact Fair and Affordable Housing will remain the same. Thus, the City will be working to address these goals for the next five years.

In accordance with federal and state law, the City must create and enforce fair housing opportunities for all community members regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, and disability. The 2021 -2029 Norwalk Housing Element13 has five goals that impact fair and affordable housing:

1) Encourage a variety of housing types
2) Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of low -and moderate income and special needs households
3) Address, and where appropriate, remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing
4) Help conserve and improve the conditions of neighborhoods and existing housing, especially affordable housing, and
5) Promote and affirmatively further fair housing opportunities and promote housing opportunities to all regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin or color.

The Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) is a California state-mandated process that assists local government plan for housing needs for all income levels, in which the State gives each jurisdiction their “fair share” of local housing needs according t o income distribution. Norwalk was assigned a RHNA of 5,034 units. Housing units for which building permits have been issued or are in plan check and for which applications have been approved since July 1, 2021, are eligible to credit towards the RHNA. Currently, the City has an estimated 2,880 units that can count towards the City’s RHNA, with a remaining of 2,155

13 Housing Element | City of Norwalk, CA

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 53 of 76 units. Pipeline projects, which include approved and proposed, account for 2,425 units. In addition, ADU construction would likely add 454 units to the City’s housing inventory.

• Very Low Income: 721 units
• Low Income: 320 units
• Moderate Income: 152 units
• Above Moderate Income: 1,232 units

After the current pending housing projects are constructed , the Housing Element committed to the development of 2,155 units14.

• Very Low Income: 718 units
• Low Income: 237 units
• Moderate Income: 496 units
• Above Moderate Income: 704 units

Fair Housing policies and/or programs promoted by the Norwalk Housing Element include:

• New housing units in high resource areas
• 100% replacement of demolished affordable units
• Designation of 100 units for special needs households • Land Use Policy changes including: approval and integration of mixed-use development, transit- oriented development, parking restrictions, eliminate sliding scale density restrictions, minimum lot sizes, accommodate higher density housing and density bonuses, permitted accessory dwelling units, lot consolidation incentives, streamline development process (ing) through electronic plan check system, objective design standards, reduction of planning and development fees, permit shelters and supportive housing and supportive care uses, land use definition changes, and reserved sewer/water capacity.
• Program Building including: targeted outreach programs addressing fair housing and equitable access education, homeownership programs, targeted homelessness short and long -term solution programs, tenant protection and anti -displacement programs, partnership building with funding agencies, voucher and subsidy programs and homelessness providers , energy conservation, neighborhood improvement/rehab programs, and housing preservation code enforcement.

2. Land Use Element

The Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan is used to describe the general distribution, location, and purpose of land planned for residential, commercial, industrial, and other uses, such as public facilities. Density and intensity are also analyzed in the Land Use Element. Residential population density can best be expressed as the number of dwellings per acre and the number of residents per dwelling.

Intensity may vary, and multiple factors are considered for different types of land use. Intensity m ay be considered as dwelling units per acre, as well as floor area ratio (FAR), which is the ratio of the building’s floor area to its total site, lot coverage and building height, and lot size.

14 Pursuant to California State Law, reuse sites are subject to by-right approval if 20% of units are deed restricted as affordable housing.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 54 of 76

Figure 5. Norwalk - General Plan Land Use Map

3. Zoning Ordinance

Generally, the City’s zoning accommodates the development of affordable housing. The zoning map directs the various types of housing and special use housing permitted in each zoning district throughout the City. Certain zoning regulations can restrict the development of affordable housing and or supportive uses. Regulations that typically levy excessive restrictions may include: land use definitions, zoning district regulations, individual land use regulations a nd parking. The following definitions in Norwalk’s zoning ordinance that may or could support or negatively impact affordable housing and supportive uses depending on how they are regulated are:

A. Zoning Definitions
"Accessory dwelling unit " or "ADU" means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel whe re a single-family dwelling unit is situated. The term also includes an "efficiency unit" as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1 and a "manufactured home" as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18007.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 55 of 76 "Factory built housing " means a residential building, dwelling unit, or an individual dwelling room or combination of rooms thereof, or building component, assembly, or system manufactured in such a manner that all concealed parts or processes of manufacture cannot be inspected before installation at the building site without disassembly, damage, or destruction of the part, including units designed for use as part of an institution for resident or patient care, which is either wholly manufactured or is in substantial part manufactured at an off -site location to be wholly or partially assembled on -site in accordance with building standards published in the State Building Standards Code. Factory built housing does not include a mobile home, mobile accessory building, or structure, a recreational vehicle, or a commercial coach.

"Fair Housing Laws" means the "Fair Housing Act" (42 U.S.C Section 3601 et seq.), the "Americans with Disabilities Act" (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.), and the "California Fair Employment and Housing Act" (California Government Code Section 12900 et seq.), as these statu tes now exist or may be amended from time to time, and the implementing regulations for each of these statutes.

"Family" means one or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a single dwelling unit, with common access to and common use of all living, kitchen, and eating areas with the dwelling units. Family also means the persons living together in a licensed residential facility, as that term is defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 1502(a)(1) serving six or fewer persons, excluding the licensee, the members of the licensee's family, and persons employed as facility staff who reside at the facility.

“Hospital, mental” or "Mental hospital" means an institution licensed by State agencies under provisions of law to offer facilities, care and treatment for cases of mental and nervous disorders but not licensed to provide facilities and services in obstetrics and general medical practice. Establishments limiting services to juveniles below the age of five years and establishments housing and caring for cases of cerebral palsy are specifically excluded from this definition.

"Institution" means an establishment maintained and operated by a society, corporation, individual, foundation or public agency for the purpose of providing charitable, social, educational or similar services to the public, groups or individuals.

"Manufactured home development" means a site that contains or is intended for the long -term location of manufactured homes that may include services and facilities for the residents. Includes manufactured home park (with leased or condominium spaces), manufactured home subdivision (ind ividually platted spaces), trailer park or court, and mobile home park or court.

"Reasonable accommodation" means any modification requested or granted from the City's zoning and land use laws, regulations, policies, and procedures or any combination thereof, that may be reasonable and necessary for a disabled person to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

"Sanitarium" means a health station or retreat or other place where resident patients are kept, and which specializes in giving clinical, temporary and emergency services of a medical or surgical nature to resident patients and injured persons, and licensed by State agencies under provision of law to provide facilities and services in surgery, obstetrics or general medical practice, as distinguished from treatment of mental and nervous disorders, but not excluding surgical and post-surgical treatment of mental cases.

"Single room occupancy housing" or "SRO housing" means a dwelling within a multiple-family dwelling structure, between 150 and 350 square feet, with a room and space for a bed; a closet; a full kitchen including sink, space for a refrigerator and a stove, range top or oven; and a separate bathroom with sink, toilet, and bathtub or shower. An SRO unit shall accommodate a maximum of two persons.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 56 of 76 B. Zoning Consistent with Fair Housing
Existing Regulations in Norwalk Zoning Ordinance that positively impact fair housing and or affordable housing:
• Procedures for Reasonable Accommodations §17.02.202
• The definition of “Family” is flexible and not limiting • The zoning ordinance addresses fair housing law
• Density Bonus requirements §17.04.235. In enacting this section, it is the intent of the City to facilitate the development of affordable housing and to implement the goals, objectives, and policies of the housing element of the City's General Plan. Density Bonus requirements, although not mandatory, the City offers density bonus incentives to any residential developer that benefit low and moderate income and senior residents.
• Density Bonus section states, “The City may not apply any development standard that would physically preclude the construction of a housing development at the densities or with the incentives permitted by this section.” §17.04.235

C. Zoning Conflict with Fair Housing:

Existing Regulations in Norwalk Zoning Ordinance that negatively affect fair housing and or affordable housing:
• SRO uses require 1 parking space per unit. §17.03.040 • SRO use regulations §17.04.236. The SRO Purpose statement sounds negative. These use regulations assume SRO units will be built within a larger development format, leaving no opportunity for smaller development plans. SRO units can only be built in one zoning district R-3.

Only 20% of a development project can be SRO units. Laundry facilities are required. There is a requirement for Open Space. There are operational standards. (multifamily developments 24 hour/day resident manager is required for larger SRO complexes. • Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) use regulations, §17.04.210, minimum lot sizes, lot widths, required open space, access type and location, and location on the lot restrictions can hinder the development of ADUs.
• Hospitals, mental uses are restricted to manufacturing districts and C -3 zoning through a conditional use process. Mental health and drug/alcohol recovery/treatment offices or centers are not specifically regulated and permitted in the current ordinance. • Open Space requirements. Currently open space requirements are mandated per unit creating many unusable spaces.
• Lot Width requirements. In medium and higher density residential zoning districts require a minimum lot width of 50 feet. R-4 requires 100 feet. Lot widths in higher density areas should be more flexible.
• No transit-oriented development regulations exist.

D. Recommended Zoning Changes
Enhance local land use and zoning laws by:

1. Creating fair housing policies and align discriminatory or conflicting zoning and land use laws, practices and policies including: residential care facilities, emergency shelters and parking.

2. Identifying priority goals and target areas for new housing and or housing rehab where employment and transit opportunities exist.

3. Creating regulations conducive to affordable housing needs.

4. Creating appropriate building envelope sizes for each zoning district and be inclusive with regards to unit size building height, reduced parking, transit and pedestrian connectivity.

5. Amending SRO and ADU standards to increase opportunities for densely and efficiently developed affordable housing units.

6. Eliminating open space requirements where affordable housing is planned or targeted. Consider creating usable green spaces on adjacent (close-by) public-owned properties.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 57 of 76

7. Reviewing and considering smaller lot width minimum requirements in areas planned or targeted for affordable and or densely developed housing.

8. Amending the zoning code to include development standards for Transit -Oriented Development (TOD).

E. Other Conflict Considerations
The following lists additional conflicts to consider:
i. Hoarding and other Intellectual Disabilities
Hoarding in California is recognized as a disability, and individuals with this disorder are protected under the Fair Housing Act. The act of hoarding itself is not illegal in California, but specific circumstances may result in violations of state statutes and local ordinances.

ii. Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
When a housing provider disallows pets or limits the kind, size, or number of pets that someone can have, California law generally requires the housing provider to provide reasonable accommodation to a person with a disability in order to allow them to live with an ESA that assists that person in managing their disability. Owners of pets who are emotional support animals are entitled to certain protections under federal law as well as California law.

iii. Transit
Affordable housing near transit not only supports low-income households but also increases the return on investment for local governments and transit operators, who spend millions on transit infrastructure. Transit-oriented development provides access to t ransit connecting residents to resources and amenities in the City and region. The Housing Element promotes TOD planning in the City. Currently there are no regulations or permitted uses that support transit and affordable housing within such developments.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 58 of 76 CHAPTER 6: Fair Housing Profile

This section discusses the institutional structure of the housing industry regarding fair housing practices.

Fair housing services available to City residents will also be covered and shall include data regarding fair housing complaints received by the fair housing provider, how fair housing investigation and resolution of housing discrimination complaints are handled, and discrimination auditing/testing results will be discussed. The City can assist residents through providing education and outreach, including the dissemination of fair housing information.

1. Homeownership – Private Sector Practices

The Fair Housing Act 15 states that it is “the policy of the United States to provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout the United States.”16 The Act carries out the policy by prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other real estate-related transactions because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status 17, national origin, or disability. This section of the AI discusses the City’s efforts to determine and to evaluate the practices of the private sector as they relate to fair housing choice, including the policies and practices of real estate agents and property managers.

A. Home Purchase Process
When purchasing a home, a potential buyer must go through a process of steps, including:
• Search advertisements
• Obtaining a loan
• Working with a Real Estate Agent

B. Real Estate Advertisement
The process usually begins by searching for home for sale in advertisements. Homes for sale are advertised in magazines, newspapers, or the internet. Advertisements cannot include discriminatory references such as the use of words describing current resid ents, the neighborhood in racial or ethnic terms, that adults or types of adults are preferred, or convenience of local religious institutions.

Under 42 U.S. Code § 3604 (c), discrimination in the sale or rental of housing and other prohibited practices, it is unlawful to make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.

The National Fair Housing Alliance provides guidelines for responsible advertising to housing providers for their use. Basic guidelines they recommend include the following:

• “Make sure your advertising is compliant with fair housing laws by focusing on the property and the amenities in your rental listing description—NOT on who you think an ideal renter would be.” • “Do not make statements that exclude persons in protected classes or express a preference for one personal characteristic over others.”

A sample of 54 listings was taken from Trulia. No potentially discriminatory language was identified in these listings.

15 Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619. 16 42 U.S.C. § 3601.
17 One or more individuals under the age of 18 years living with a parent or other person having legal custody of the individual or individual.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 59 of 76 Potentially Discriminatory Language in Listings of For-Sale Homes Discrimination Type Number of Listings
Potentially
Discriminatory
Language*
No Discriminatory 54 N/A
Language N/A N/A
Income Related N/A N/A
Household Size/ Family Related N/A N/A
Source: Trulia
Table 602: Potentially Discriminatory Language in Listings of For-Sale Homes

The next step is to obtain financing for the home purchase. The potential homebuyer must apply for the loan, and the lender must perform an evaluation of credit quality, determine the ability to repay the loan and the amount eligible for, and choose the type and terms of the loan, etc. Examples of discrimination18, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, in lending can include:

• Refusal to make a mortgage loan
• Refusal to provide information regarding loans or providing unequal information • Imposing different terms or conditions on a mortgage loan, such as different interest rates, points, or fees
• Discrimination in appraising property
• Steering an applicant toward a bad mortgage loan product • Providing inferior servicing of a mortgage loan

C. Real Estate Agents
Real Estate Agents can discriminate in ways such as providing different terms, conditions, or information related to the sale or rental of a dwelling to individuals with protected characteristics or steering individuals with protected characteristics to a particular neighborhood or area at the exclusion of other areas.

2. Rental Housing Process

When searching for a home to rent, the process is somewhat similar to a home purchase but does not require the same outlay of cash. Renting can involve the following steps:
• Search advertisements
• Viewing rental units
• Credit checks
• Security deposits

A. Advertisement for Rental Units
As with searching for homes for sale, the process for rentals also begins by searching in advertisements, usually in magazines, newspapers, or the internet. Advertisements for rental units cannot include discriminatory references that indicate preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. A sampling of more than 45 listings were taken from Trulia. The po tentially discriminating language was identified as related to income and disability.

18 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Understanding Fair Lending,” under “ Lending Discrimination,” https://files.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/Fair-Lending-Learning-the-Facts-Consumer-Guide.pdf.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 60 of 76 Potentially Discriminatory Language in Rental Listings
Discrimination Type Number of Listings Potentially Discriminatory Language
No Discriminatory Language 37 N/A
Income Related 8 Credit check, income 3x
rent
Disability Related 5 No pets
Household Size/ Family Related N/A
Source: Trulia
Table 613: Potentially Discriminatory Language in Rental Listings

B. Fair Housing Complaints and Enforcement
Patterns of complaints and enforcement are useful to assess the nature and level of potentially unfair or discriminatory housing practices in the private sector. Several public and private agencies may receive complaints about unfair housing practices or housing discrimination.

i. Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)
At the federal level, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) receives complaints of housing discrimination. FHEO will attempt to resolve matters informally. However, FHEO may act on those complaints if they represent a violation of federal law and FHEO finds that there is “reasonable cause” to pursue administrative action in federal court.

ii. California Civil Rights Department (CRD)
At the state level, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) has a role similar to that of FHEO.

CRD also receives, investigates, and attempts to settle, and it can take administrative action to prosecute violations of the law. HUD and CRD have overlap in jurisdiction and, depending on the nature of the case, may refer cases to one another. CRD is a HUD Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) grantee, meaning that it receives funding from HUD to enforce federal fair housing law in the state.

iii. Fair Housing Foundation
The City contracts with the Fair Housing Foundation, a nonprofit organization, to help educate the public about fair housing laws and to investigate reported cases of housing discrimination. The Fair Housing Foundation is a long-established organization dedicated to promoting fair housing for all people.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 61 of 76 CHAPTER 7: Fair Housing Process Since 2020-2025 AI

This section reviews the goals and strategies of the previous Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) conducted in 2020 and determines the progress made considering these goals since then.

The 2020 AI identified five (5) goals, including 9 potential impediments, as well as activities the City will carry out over the next five years to address the issues.

Past Impediments and Actions
Potential
Impediments
Actions Progress

1. Increase
affordable
housing
opportunities

1. Support integrated housing approaches near
major employment areas/centers and transit.

2. Promote building new units containing 2 or 3
bedrooms. There is a large deficit of multifamily
housing options in the City. Such units should be
provided with an option to rent or own.

3. Encourage innovative low-cost housing materials.

4. Identify funding for transitional and supportive
housing development. Priority should be given to
Norwalk homeless and at-risk residents.

5. Understand the specific redevelopment obstacles
related to construction on the local level that can
be changed.

6. Explore more ways to work with non-profit
housing organizations to promote housing
construction training opportunities for homeless.
• The 2021-2029 RHNA indicates
5,034 units are needed. There
are 2,425 units currently in the
pipeline leaving 2,609 units yet
to be built.
• Most of pipeline units have
been earmarked for very low
income or above moderate-
income units.
• 770 pipeline units are transit-
oriented units.
• In 2022 Norwalk approved the
One-Ways Neighborhood
Revitalization Program. 36
homes have undergone
improvements.
• The City collaborated with an
affordable housing development
organization for The Walk, a
new development project that
offers 350 residential units.
• The City executed an
agreement with Mercy Housing
to provide affordable housing
for veterans through The
Veterans Villas at San Antonio
project. Construction is
expected to be completed in
November 2024.
• The City created the Homeless
Operation Prevention and
Engagement team, which is a
collaboration of City staff and
non-profit organizations, to
increase communication for
those providing services to
individuals experiencing
homelessness and assess
needs in resources.
• The City collaborated with the
Social Services Department
with CDBG funds to provide the
Emergency Assistance
Program, which provides
financial assistance for utilities
and temporary housing for low-

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 62 of 76 income Norwalk residents in
need of emergency assistance.
• The City partnered with the
Social Services Department
with HOME funds for the
Tenant Based Rental
Assistance (TBRA) Program to
provide security deposit
payments for individuals and/or
families experiencing
homelessness.
• The City collaborated with the
Los Angeles Centers for
Alcohol and Drug Abuse with
CDBG funds to assist
individuals experiencing
homelessness with substance
abuse and behavior health
needs with residential treatment
and transitional housing.
• The City partnered with
Jovenes, Inc. with CDBG funds
to provide services and case
management to youth
experiencing homelessness.
• The City worked with Kingdom
Causes Bellflower to provide
security deposit assistance to
individuals and families
experiencing homelessness
who are seeking permanent
housing.
• The City collaborated with
HOPE Inc., a Community
Housing Development
Organization (CHDO), to
provide residents with
development disabilities of low-
income affordable housing
opportunities.
• The City partnered with
Gateway Cities Council of
Government to provide housing
and services to individuals
experiencing homelessness.
• The City worked with CityNet
with CDBG-CV funds to provide
navigation services, emergency
shelters, temporary housing,
and permanent housing for
individuals experiencing
homelessness.

2. Increase
homeownership

1. Work with local banks and LACDA to begin a
Down Payment Assistance Program for first-time
homebuyers. Partner with lenders to encourage
lending to low-income first-time homebuyers.

2. Provide funding assistance to first-time
homeowners for down payments, lease or
• Norwalk offers a CALHome
Program to provide down
payment assistance. The
application approval process
requires budget counseling and
awards up to $200,000.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 63 of 76 mortgage arrangements, and homebuyer
education.

3. Increase the number of FHA loans in the City.

Only 39% of the loan applications in 2018 were
FHA loans.

4. Incorporate: home ownership education,
budgeting, and home maintenance education and
skills into housing programs.

5. Explore the use of land trust agencies where a
homeowner would own the building but not the
land therefore reducing the overall housing costs.

6. Seek out new resources and provide additional
programs for potential LMI homebuyers.

7. Retain existing homeowners by promoting its
existing and future housing reinvestment
programs and resources for property owners
throughout the City.

8. Increase public investment to improve
neighborhoods through streetscape amenities,
safety and greening initiatives.
• LACDA’s home ownership
program - HOP80 and HOP120
offers a similar loan program for
residents living in LA county.
• The City awards over $700,000
to capital improvement projects
that improve LMI
neighborhoods and accessibility
throughout the City.
• The City provided opportunities
for homeownership through the
First Time Homebuyers
Program, which provides
eligible citizens with financial
assistance in purchasing a
home in Norwalk.
• The City is in partnership with
an affordable housing
development organization to
develop The Walk, a mixed-use
project with 350 planned
residential units.
• The City is currently working
with Mercy Housing for the
development of The Veterans
Villas at San Antonio to provide
affordable homeownership
opportunities for veterans
experiencing homelessness.

The project is expected to
complete construction in
November 2024.

3. Create safe
and
integrated
neighborhoods

1. Continue to promote crime prevention and home
security information.

2. Empower neighborhood residents to form block
watch groups, and community-based policing.

3. Review and amend zoning regulations in
residential districts to be more inclusive
promoting diversity in housing style, size and
density.

4. Review current routes to school and park spaces
to understand safety issues and solutions.
• Norwalk administers a
Neighborhood Water Program.

The City is organized into 4
quadrants where Watch Groups
exist. Meetings are held in each
quadrant. Residents can
register to attend when meeting
dates/times are announced.

The watch groups discuss and
resolve safety, drug and or
noise issues. There is also a
phone number for call-in
complaints.
• The zoning codes now include
transitional and support housing
in most residential districts as
well as SRO and ADU units in a
limited number of districts.
• Section 8 Housing Choice
Voucher participants may enroll
in the Family Self-Sufficiency
Program linking community
resources for jobs, education
and career.

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 64 of 76

4. Create public
awareness of
fair housing
laws and
affordable
housing
advocacy

1. Work with major employers to develop incentives
for new housing near their work.

2. United Way and the City to coordinate local
outreach about the positive impacts of affordable
housing.

3. Work with FHF, as part of its Fair Housing
contract, to annually review and report on
apartment rental advertisements released by
private housing companies. 13% of the survey
respondents noted there was loan discrimination
issues.

4. Enhance local land use and zoning laws.
a. Create fair housing policies and align
discriminatory or conflicting zoning and land
use laws, practices and policies including:

Group homes, residential care facilities,
emergency shelters and parking.
b. Identify priority goals and target areas for
new housing and or housing rehab where
employment and transit opportunities exist.
c. Create regulations conducive to affordable
housing needs. Introduce appropriate
building envelope sizes for each zoning
district and be inclusive with regards to unit
size building height, reduced parking, transit
and pedestrian connectivity
• 770 pipeline units are transit-
oriented units.
• Norwalk Entertainment District,
also known as The Walk, has
units planned near transit
corridors.
• The City collaborated with
Community Legal Aid So Cal
with CDBG funds to provide
services and operations in
connection with legal
counseling and services to
victims of domestic abuse and
tenants who are facing eviction.
• The City partnered with Fair
Housing Foundation with CDBG
funds to provide education,
counseling, investigation and
enforcement, and advocacy
services to promote fair housing
practices and eliminate
discrimination.

5. Increase
training
and
employment
opportunities

1. Work with community colleges and high schools
to establish or further carpentry, mechanical,
plumbing, and electrical skills training. The
construction industry is projected to increase.

2. Create mentoring programs with local skilled
trades companies.

3. Improve education and provide skills training for
education, healthcare, manufacturing and
construction jobs.
a. Create partnerships with California’s
Employment Development Department,
Workforce Development Board, Workforce
Development Aging & Community Services,
California Building Industry Association,
Southern California Building Association,
Cerritos Community College, Cypress
College, Rio Hondo Community College, and
workforce readiness programs available in
local vocational and technical schools and
programs. Such programs exist in the Junior
Achievement of Southern California and the
L.A. Opportunity Youth Collaborative.
b. Increase training opportunities that target
“Second Chance”, persons with disabilities,
at-risk homeless individuals, and job
retraining program.
• The Housing Element
recommends job training at
shelter locations.
• The City identified, in their
Housing Element, new
strategies to increase income
through employment by
increasing training and
employment opportunities.
• The City partnered with La
Mirada Unified School District
Adult School for GED, English,
career related technology.

Cerritos College, a public
community college that
educates nearly 1,200 Norwalk
residents annually.
• The Southeast LA County
Workforce Investment Board
assists with staffing and
recruitment services and
customized on-the-job training,
layoff, outplacement and
retraining.

Table 624: Past Impediments and Actions

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 65 of 76 CHAPTER 8: Fair Housing Action Plan 2025-2030 AI

1. Data Collection and Engagement Conclusions

The City, according to data provided in the previous chapters, has several priority issues:

• Housing affordability
• Housing availability
• Flexibility of zoning for new affordable housing
• Household rental and purchase assistance
• Supportive housing services are short-term
• Fair housing legal assistance
• Income requirements are too low for housing assistance

The total population in the City has decreased by 0.86% since 2020 and 4% since 2010. The median home values have increased by 29% since 2020, whereas the median gross rent increased by 11% since 2020. The median household income has increased by 18% since 2020; the data suggest this increase is suitable for the median growth rent increase but not sufficient for median home values . The median age in the City is 35.3 years old, and 22% of the population has earned a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

Of the City’s population for whom poverty status is determined, 9.02% live at or below the poverty level.

The most common racial -ethnic group living below the poverty line in the City is Hispanic, followed by White and Other races. DataUSA reports that the male gender in the city currently earns 25% more than the female gender.

Increases in median rents have occurred for several reasons: 1) current demand for more rental units is high, and 2) households are choosing not to become homeowners because they may be having difficulties qualifying for a mortgage. Housing affordability for low —and very low-income households to rent or obtain a mortgage is a big challenge the City is facing.

Table 23 and Table 25 show median housing and rent values and what is affordable in the City. For a family of four who make less than 30% of the median household income, an affordable rent is $946.25 per month. Table 23 shows the median gross rent in the City is $1,860 per month. The gap of affordability is $ 913.75. For a family of four who makes between 50% and 80% of the median household income, an affordable home is $348,094. Table 23 shows that the median housing value in 2022 is $593,100. The gap of affordability is $191,006 (see page 22).

From 2020 to 202119 there was a 316 unit decrease in the total number of rental units. Over 1 year, the number of units that rent for $999/month or less has decreased; similarly, the total number of units between $500 and $999 decreased by 11%, and the total number of units between $1,000 and $1,999/month decreased by 11%. The total number of units over $2,000/month increased by 17%. It could be concluded that apartment rents have increased for both new and existing units.

Norwalk partners with the Fair Housing Foundation, Norwalk Housing Authority (Housing Voucher Program), Department of Code Enforcement, County of Las Angeles, HOPE Homes and other service providers to create opportunities for property managers and landlords to rent to low - and moderate- income households that receive vouchers. The City offers a free annual inspection, and free advertising on the Housing Authority’s vacancy list, signing bonus, damage mitigation program, and security deposit grants.

19 ACS most current Gross Rent Year is 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 66 of 76

Zoning in the City provides appropriate definitions for Family, Transitional and Supportive Housing , reasonable accommodation, density bonuses, as well as providing density incentives for inclusion of affordable housing. Conflicts with the ordinance include: SRO and ADU use purpose and requirements, Hospitals or Residential Care Facilities use locations, open space requirements for affordable housing unit types, generally lot width and parking requirements, and Group Home, Emergency Shelters. The zoning ordinance addresses fair housing law

City’s Housing Element provides housing planning policies and implementation guidance between 2021 and 2029 and included extensive community outreach. The plan outlines impediments to providing affordable housing, including continued funding for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. The plan quantifies the needed additional housing units at each income category and includes strategies for meeting those goals. The Los Angeles County Development Authority recently completed its 2018-2023 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice20. The County’s priority goals include:

• Enhance accessible facilities and infrastructure for persons with disabilities • Promote more affordable housing for special needs populations • Enhance accessible housing supportive services to persons with disabilities • Promote healthy communities
• Enhance and create viable communities
• Promote understanding and knowledge of fair housing and ADA laws • Coordinate the AI with other agencies’ plans and programs to address contributing factors • Promote lower rates of crime in R/ECAP areas
• Enhance Limited English Proficiency services in R/ECAP areas • Create viable communities
• Promote affordable housing
• Enhance employment opportunities
• Facilitate access to proficient schools
• Enhance transit services

2. Setting Fair Housing Goals and Priorities

After gathering stakeholder and public input for fair and affordable housing concerns and needs , City partners collaborated to establish fair housing goals and recommended actions. The goals and actions address critical fair housing issues and guide the City’s efforts in promoting fair housing while reducing barriers to housing accessibility.

HUD offers a list of potential contributing factors, each with accompanying descriptions. The City used this HUD-provided list, along with explanations for each factor, to assess whether any of these factors play a role in creating, perpetuating, or exacerbating fair housing issues.

In addition to analyzing HUD -provided data, local information, and community insights, we considered other factors that impact fair housing issues. The community participation process helps program participants identify and prioritize these contributing factors. Housing and social service participants were directly involved in the engagement process:

• Identifying fair housing issues and significant contributing factors

20 https://www.lacda.org/community-development/plans-and-reports - executive-summary---english.pdf (lacda.org)

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 67 of 76 • Prioritizing contributing factors, giving highest priority to those factors that limit or deny fair housing choice or access to opportunity or negatively impact fair housing or civil rights compliance; and
• Setting priorities and goals to address the identified contributing factors and related fair housing issues.

3. Contributing Factors to Fair Housing Issues

City staff, stakeholders, regional housing and service entities, and the community at large collaborated to identify and prioritize fair housing issues and contributing factors. Based on community engagement and data from either HUD or other local sources, the following contributing factors to fair housing issues have been categorized as “lower” or “higher.”

Contributing Factors to Fair Housing Issues
Fair Housing Issues Contributing Factors
Priority
Lower Higher
Disparities in Access
to Opportunity:

Affordable Housing
• City land use regulations does not encourage and
outright permit affordable housing types and
opportunities near services, employment, parks
and transit.

X
• Low number of affordable homes. X
• Voucher qualification standards are set too low. X
• Low number of vouchers and need for rental
assistance. X
• High home and land values, and high construction
and material costs. X
• Need for parking requirement relief. X
• Lack of larger home options (3 bedrooms). X
• High demand for affordable senior housing X
• High family income needed to purchase a home. X
• Demand for interim supportive housing. X
Disparities in Access
to Opportunity:

Housing Services
• Supportive Housing Services. In-person or on-site
assistance for individuals/families transitioning from
homeless to interim housing.

X
• Supportive Housing Services. In-person or on-site
assistance for individuals/families transitioning from
interim housing to permanent housing.

X
• Workforce assessment, training, development and
placement services. X
Disparities in Access
to Opportunity:

Homeless Housing
• Limited homeless prevention programs and case
management workers. X
• Those needing rent assistance do not qualify. X
• Zoning challenges with the development of group
homes and supportive housing. X
• Lack of local support and resources to
collaboratively plan and build transitional and
permanent supportive housing.

X
Disparities in Access
to Opportunity:

Employment & Income
• Salaries are stagnant compared to rising cost of
housing and job market is tight. X
• Transit routes are not convenient to workplaces. X

City of Norwalk Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Page 68 of 76 • Lack of homeless programs and or staff designated
to seek out workforce training, employment
opportunities.

X
• Average worker does not make the average living
wage. X
• Median income for renter households is
significantly lower than owner occupied
households.

X
Disparities in Access
to Opportunity:

Fair Housing
Education
• Landlord willingness to accept Section 8 tenants or
special needs tenants. X
• Low awareness to Fair Housing Law and minimal
outreach. X
• Lack of landlord education with tenant interviews,
rental contracts, eviction processes, criminal
activity awareness and rental assistance
resources.

X
• Lack of complaint/discrimination data X
Table 635: Contributing Factors to Fair Housing Issues

4. Priority Goals and Actions

The highest priority Contributing Factors to Fair Housing listed on Table 65 are based on community engagement activities and data analysis.