Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the making of excavations necessary for the preservation of life and property or for the location of trouble in conduits or pipes, provided that the person making the excavation shall apply to the department for a permit as soon as practicable and no later than the first working day after the work is commenced. Nothing in this section shall absolve the permittee from the requirements of this chapter. In any emergency at a time when it is not practical to obtain the necessary permit as provided above in advance of the excavation work, any excavations may be authorized by the Director or may be performed by a contractor on the approved contractor list, provided that the necessary permit is obtained the next business day after the emergency work is performed. Under no circumstances shall an excavation be performed without prior notification through personal contact to the Director of the need and location for the work to be done. (Ord. 2019-09, 5-9-2019)