(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent any person from opening any pipe line, conduit or public utility in any street, alley, sidewalk or other public grounds, as may be necessary for the preservation of life or property, when the necessity may arise during the hours the offices of the Village are closed.
(b) The person making such excavation shall make application to, and receive from, the Village Engineer a permit therefor within twenty-four hours after the offices of the Village are first opened subsequent to the making of such excavation.
(1976 Code 20-27.)