All excavations for buildings or structures shall be properly guarded and protected by the person causing the same to be made so as to prevent the same from becoming dangerous to life and limb. The owner of the lot on which the excavation is being made shall protect any building that may be situated on an adjoining lot. If a vacant lot is damaged because of an excavation on an adjoining lot, the owner of the lot on which the excavation is being made is liable for such damage, regardless of the depth of the excavation.
(1977 Code Sec. 5-7.)