No person, firm or corporation shall make any excavation within the right of way of any street or alley for any purpose without first obtaining a permit from the building inspector, except:
A. If an emergency exists, work may proceed immediately to protect public safety and the person, firm or corporation responsible for such work shall secure from the building inspector on the next working day a permit for such work.
B. Employees of the city on official business shall be exempt from this section. (2008 Code § 27-95)