State Sen. Cathy Osten welcomed Friday the signing of a bill into law allowing property owners to place a temporary health care structure on their land to care for an elderly relative with mental or physical impairments.

Osten, a Sprague Democrat, had co-sponsored the legislation along with Sen. Heather Somers, a Groton Republican, and Rep. Chris Soto, a New London Democrat, among others.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed the bill Thursday. It takes effect Oct. 1.

“Connecticut is an aging state, and more people want to remain in their homes for as long as possible, so these temporary structures are a way to accomplish that,” Osten said in a statement. “The concept was very popular when I toured senior centers last year. This new law will allow more of our senior citizens to live out their years with dignity and grace.”

Known as the “granny pod” law, the bill authorizes mobile residential structures in which a caregiver can care for an impaired person. The structures may not be placed on or attached to a permanent foundation, must be no more than 500 square feet and must comply with state building, fire safety and public health codes.

“In the long run, these temporary health care structures could save families a lot of money," Osten said. "Instead of placing a family member in a nursing home, they’d be able to age in place.” 

Municipalities may require that the structures be accessible to emergency vehicles and connected to private water or septic systems or water, sewer, and electric utilities that serve the primary residence. Municipalities may charge fees of up to $250 for initial permits for the structures and $100 for annual permit renewals. They may require permittees to post a bond of up to $50,000 to ensure compliance with a permit. 

Cities and towns, by vote of their legislative bodies, may opt out of the bill’s provisions requiring them to authorize the structures.