ARTICLE 1715

Vaults and Openings

1715.01 Duty To Safeguard; Registration; Maintenance Permits
1715.02 Construction Permit Required
1715.03 Inspection; Alterations; Responsibility For Accidents
1715.04 Fee; Conditions Of Permit
1715.99 Penalty

CROSS REFERENCES
Excavations - See S.U. & P.S. Art. 903

1715.01 DUTY TO SAFEGUARD; REGISTRATION; MAINTENANCE PERMITS.

The owners of property in front of which there exist vaults or openings in or under the sidewalks or highways of the City, and which have been or are now used for private purposes, are required to maintain, at their expense, such vaults and openings in a manner which will safeguard life and property. Each property owner is required to register with the Building Inspector the location of any vault or opening in front of his property which is under the sidewalk or highways, and obtain a permit for the maintenance of the same. (1946 Code C.28 §34)

1715.02 CONSTRUCTION PERMIT REQUIRED.

No vaults or openings to be used for private purposes shall be constructed under the walks or highways of the City, unless the property owner is first granted a permit. (1946 Code C.28 §35)

1715.03 INSPECTION; ALTERATIONS; RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCIDENTS.

It shall be the duty of the Building Inspector to inspect all vaults or openings in or under the sidewalks listed in his office, as well as any unlisted vault called to his attention, once a year. The property owner is required to make such alterations or additions as in the judgment of the Building Inspector are necessary to protect life and property. Nothing herein contained is to be construed as an acceptance by the City of any responsibility for accidents or damage to property arising from the failure of the property owner to maintain any vault or opening in front of his property, through the failure of the Building Inspector to notify the property owner of the existing danger. (1946 Code C.28 §36)

1715.04 FEE; CONDITIONS OF PERMIT.

Before a permit shall be issued for the construction or maintenance of vaults and openings in, under or upon public property for private use, the applicant shall pay a fee of ten dollars ($10.00). The permit shall be granted only upon approval of plans by the Building Inspector. (1946 Code C. 28 Section 37)

1715.99 PENALTY.

Any person who violates any provision of this Article shall be subject to the following penalties:

(a) First violation - A fine of $200.00, or thirty days imprisonment,
or both;

(b) Second violation - A fine of $500.00, or sixty days imprisonment, or both;

(c) Third and each subsequent violation - A fine of $1,000.00, or ninety days imprisonment, or both. (Ord. 3038. Passed 10/22/85; Ord. 3242 Passed 2/7/89)