(a) No person shall operate or use any sidewalk elevator:
(1) Unless the shafts or sidewalk openings of such sidewalk elevators are covered with substantial iron doors or iron gratings, as nearly flush with the upper surface of the sidewalk as will permit proper drainage, and unless such doors or gratings are provided with some mechanical device for locking and unlocking them which will not require any person to ride on such elevator for the purpose of locking or unlocking said doors or gratings;
(2) Unless the same are equipped with some mechanical device which will prevent the platform of said elevator from approaching within less than five feet of sidewalk doors or gratings thereof when the doors or gratings are closed;
(3) Unless he is directed or permitted to use such elevator by occupant of the premises;
(4) Unless the same are protected on the opposite side by substantial lattice, heavy mesh screened gate, or barricade, at least thirty inches in height, securely held in place when doors are up, or openings made. Such grate or barricade may be removed upon the curbside during a period of loading and unloading.
(b) No person operating a sidewalk elevator, trap-door, grating, or other opening shall allow the sidewalk doors thereof to be opened without first posting a responsible person on the sidewalk to give warning to such opening.
(c) No person operating or using sidewalk elevators, gratings, trapdoors or other opening in sidewalks, shall keep the same open or permit the same to remain open except during the time necessary for the shipping or receiving of merchandise or supplies and unless provided with suitable guards as stated, so as to prevent accidents to the public, and unless a lighted lamp is maintained at openings when doors or gratings thereof are open after dark.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to overrule or supersede the authority of the city to revoke such right to use and occupy the space below the sidewalk as provided in Section 4503 or other applicable sections of the Building Code.
(Ord. 2304, 1966: prior code § 20.06)