The Director shall grant permission to public utilities to trim and keep trimmed all trees within the streets, alleys, parks and public places of the city, in such a manner as shall keep the overhead lines of such public utilities safe and accessible. Such trimming shall be done in accordance with approved practices and under the general direction of the Department. The permission, as provided for in this section, shall require reasonable prior notice to the city before any work is commenced thereunder. However, in an emergency requiring immediate maintenance work on the overhead lines of such public utilities, prior notice of commencing work under such permit shall not be required. The word "emergency" as used in this section means the occurrence or happening of an event which could not be foreseen by the exercise of reasonable care and foresight, which might cause damage to the overhead lines of the public utilities.
(1993 Code, § 70-39)