No person may construct any sidewalk in the city unless the applicant shall present a request in writing to the City Council, showing what variance the proposed sidewalks is to have in connection with width or otherwise in regard to the specifications now or hereafter existing in connection with the construction of sidewalks in the city. Soon the presentation of the request, the City Council, shall hear the same, and may, in its discretion, grant the request for variance of the specifications of the proposed sidewalk with the ordinances of the city. If the City Council grants the request, then the applicant may construct the sidewalk, in accordance with the permission granted by the City Council, provided the sidewalk is constructed within six months from the date of the granting of the permission.
(`90 Code, § 19-28)