It shall be unlawful for any person, either as owner, agent, servant, contractor or employee, to construct any street or sidewalk in this city unless a permit is first obtained from the city to do so and unless such street or sidewalk be constructed to lines and grades and specifications as given and established by the city, or unless special permission to deviate from such lines and grades is first obtained from the city. All such streets and sidewalks shall be constructed under the supervision of an inspector to be appointed by the city and the cost of such supervision and the cost of indicating grade and lines shall be borne by the applicant, except where otherwise provided. (1966 Code § 8-2-2)