Whenever the owner of any lot, block, tract, or parcel of land touching upon the line of any proposed sidewalk desires to construct his own sidewalk in conformity with the provisions, specifications and requirements of this code, it shall be the duty of the Superintendent of Streets, upon demand by the owner or his representative, to furnish the owner with grade sticks, designating the proper grade for the sidewalk; provided no grade will be furnished to any contractor who is in default upon any contract with the city.
(‘69 Code, § 23-31)