(a) Required; Exception. No person shall make any tunnel, opening or excavation under any street, sidewalk or other public ground without first obtaining a permit therefor from the City Manager or his or her authorized representative for each separate undertaking. However, a person maintaining pipes, lines or other underground facilities in or under the surface of any street, sidewalk or other public ground may proceed with an opening without a permit when emergency circumstances demand the work be done immediately, provided that the permit could not reasonably and practically have been obtained beforehand. The person shall thereafter apply for a permit on the first regular business day on which the office of the Manager or representative is open for business, and the permit shall be retroactive to the date the work was begun. In all cases where emergency openings are necessary, the Division of Police shall be notified prior to such opening.
(b) Work in Pavement Less Than Five Years Old. No permit shall be issued by the Manager which would allow an excavation or opening in a paved and improved street surface less than five years old, unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that public health or safety requires that the proposed work be permitted or unless an emergency condition exists.
(c) Expiration; Extension. Every permit issued under this chapter shall expire at the time stated in the permit. If the work is not complete within the specified time, the permittee shall, prior to expiration of the permit, request an extension of time. If such an extension is necessary, the permittee may be granted additional time for completion of the work.
(Ord. 73-16. Passed 6-4-73.)