No person or firm shall make any excavation, trench or other opening in the vehicular traveled portion of any street, alley or other public roadway, or tunnel under such roadway from one side to another, without first obtaining a permit from the Director of Public Service-Safety. However, any public utility which provides its product or service under the terms of a franchise with the City or pursuant to a rate ordinance contract may, in an emergency constituting potential hazard to life or property, make such excavation at once, and secure a permit as soon thereafter as practicable. (Ord. 19-69. Passed 4-15-69.)