NEDERLAND — The 12-month pilot program for Nederland food trucks begins in two weeks.

City Council members voted unanimously to launch the program Jan. 1, allowing legal but limited operation of food trucks within city limits.

A key component to the program stresses that food truck operation must take place in accordance with a local brick-and-mortar business’ special event.

Temporary permits must be secured and cannot be given out more than once a month or 12 times a year.

The trucks won’t be allowed to set up overnight and must situate on private property.

Joe Oates, owner of the Boss Burger food truck, has led the charge for the city to adopt an ordinance allowing for the culinary craze’s operation in Nederland.

Oates, who was in attendance at Monday’s City Council meeting, thanked local leaders for working diligently toward a pilot effort.

He asked how a food truck could operate along Boston Avenue if a local business wanted to secure such a service.

City Manager Christopher Duque said that would be a tough corridor for a food truck vendor to operate.

“I think we would have to take that on a case-by-case basis,” Duque said. “There could also be a discussion about the alley, but that is not ideal for what they want. It’s going to be difficult on Boston. That’s what we talked about in October. Boston is going to be one of the hardest locations because of the parking arrangements already.”

Councilman Emmett Hollier asked if the 12-times-a-year permit allowance pertained to food truck vendors and local businesses and was told it did.

Hollier also asked if food trucks could work parties in residential neighborhoods.

Duque said the pilot program does not allow for food trucks to set up in neighborhoods for open business.

However, residents seeking to hire a food truck for catering to a private party would be allowed to do so, as long as the food truck doesn’t sell to those outside of the party.