All persons who desire to dig any ditch, trench, or other excavation in any of the streets, alleys or other public places in the city shall, before removing any of the stone, paving, plank or other material on such street, alley or other public place, notify the superintendent of public works, in writing, of their desire so to do and designate particularly the locality where it is desired to do such work, and receive his permission so to do.
(Code 1961 § 21-27)