NAUGATUCK — The Board of Mayor and Burgesses voted this month to opt out of a new state law allowing temporary medical dwellings on single-family lots.
The dwellings, known as “granny pods,” are separate structures of less than 500 square feet to be occupied by people with medical needs. An unpaid caretaker would live in the main house on the property. The dwellings must be removed within 120 days after they are no longer needed, under the law.
The Planning Commission and Zoning Commission both voted to opt out of the regulation in October and sent their recommendations to the board.
“Our town felt there were too many loose ends with the act,” Town Planner Lori Rotella said.
Rotella said the concerns included how the town would enforce the removal of the structure after 120 days and whether someone was receiving money to care for the person living in the structure.
Burgess Rocky Vitale contended the “granny pods” are to help people take care of their loved ones.
“It is our responsibility to help take care of the very young and the very old. This is going to help take care of the old and the infirm,” said Vitale, who was the only burgess to vote against opting out of the law.
