Why was this new ordinance needed?
It is sometimes necessary for private property owners to excavate within the street right-of-way, which is public property. The village needs to be aware when this type of work is going on, both to locate utilities, and to make sure that, when the work is completed, the area is properly restored. According to the new ordinance,
"No person shall make or cause to be made any excavation or opening in any street, alley, highway, sidewalk or other public way within the village without first having obtained a permit from the building inspector."
Requiring a permit gives the village the necessary "heads up" before work begins.