(A) Every opening in any vault or coal hole or aperture in the sidewalk over a coal hole or vault shall be covered with a substantial metal plate with a rough surface to prevent accidents and the entire construction of the coal holes and vaults shall be subject to the reasonable direction and supervision of the City Engineer. The cover shall be kept sufficiently strong and safe.
(B) No person shall remove or insecurely fix, cause, procure, or permit to be removed or to be insecurely fixed so that the same can be moved in its bed, any grate or covering of any coal hole, vault, or chute under any public way or other public place; provided, that nothing herein contained shall prevent the owner or occupant of the building with which the coal hole, vault, or chute shall be connected, from removing the grate or covering for the proper use of the opening, in case he or she incloses the opening or aperture, and keeps the same inclosed while the grate or covering shall be removed, with a proper guard or curb at least 24 inches high, firmly and securely made; provided further, that he or she shall not remove the grate or covering until after sunrise of any day and shall replace the grate or covering before one-half hour after sunset.
(C) It is unlawful for any person owning or using any coal hole, outside stairway, or any other opening in any public sidewalk to allow the same to remain uncovered or opened, except while the same is actually being used for the purpose of an entrance or exit or for the purpose of introducing or removing any article or materials through an opening.
(Prior Code, § 97.122) Penalty, see § 10.999