Section 8698.2

(a) (1) The governing body may declare a shelter crisis, and may take such action as is necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, upon a finding by that governing body that a significant number of persons within the jurisdiction of the governing body are without the ability to obtain shelter, and that the situation has resulted in a threat to the health and safety of those persons.

(2) For purposes of this chapter, the governing body of the state, in making a declaration of a shelter crisis pursuant to paragraph (1), may limit that declaration to any geographical portion of the state.

(b) Upon a declaration of a shelter crisis pursuant to subdivision (a), the political subdivision may allow persons unable to obtain housing to occupy designated public facilities during the duration of the state of emergency.