Whenever it shall come to the attention of the Streets and Alleys Committee that there exists an obstruction of the public ways in violation of the provisions of this chapter, the Committee shall cause written notice to be given to the owner or occupant of the abutting premises, describing the obstruction and demanding the removal of same within a reasonable time, to be stated in the notice. If the obstruction be not removed within the time limited by the notice, or in case the owner or occupant or other person responsible for creating the obstruction cannot be found, the Committee may cause it to be removed to the City dump or impounded. Whenever, in the opinion of the Committee, circumstances warrant, the creation or maintenance of an obstruction in violation of this chapter may be prosecuted. (1985 Code, § 12.06.030)