NEPTUNE BEACH, FL – Food trucks soon could roll into Neptune Beachfor special events.

The Neptune Beach city council voting unanimously Monday approved on first reading a tentative ordinance that would allow food trucks at special events such as the monthly Noon Day Break program at the Beaches Regional Libraryin Neptune Beach. That event is hosted by the nonprofit Friends of Beaches Branch Library.

The council next will consider what is a special event, and how many special events to allow in a month at a site. It will take up those issues at its Oct. 6regular meeting. At that time, council members will conduct a public hearing then take a final vote on the measure.

Mayor Harriet Pruette said they should allow a maximum of two special events a month at a particular site. Vice Mayor John Jolly said it should be one time a month at a site. Councilwoman Kara Tucker said they shouldn’t place a limit on it.

Neptune Beach doesn’t allow food trucks now.

The ordinance would allow food trucks or similar mobile kitchens with approval by the city manager at special events. That would include catering, which is defined in the measure as when a property owner hosting an event pays the food truck owner for the service, but no individual food sales take place.

The trucks would be allowed in areas where they won’t compete with local brick-and-mortar businesses. Food truck operators also would have to meet conditions set by the city, according to the proposed ordinance.

Food trucks wouldn’t be allowed in the city’s central business, beach or residential districts. However, catering sponsored by the property owner would be allowed in the residential district.

A property owner will have to give written permission for a food truck to set up shop. Food truck operators would be required to submit proof of at least $1 million in liability insurance, have a valid city business tax receipt, which costs$65, and provide proof of an inspection by the Duval County Health Department within the last six months, according to the proposed ordinance.

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