No person shall excavate, dig in, alter or change or interfere with any street, avenue, alley, sidewalk, pavement, curbing or other public ground or the surface thereof, within the limits of this city, for any purpose whatsoever, unless the provisions of this chapter have been complied with. Such person shall obtain a permit from the city clerk with the approval of the city for such work to be done. (1988 Code § 14-201)