The public works superintendent may issue a permit to any person engaged in erecting a building or other improvement on his private property to temporarily obstruct a portion of the street or sidewalk during such construction; provided, that provision shall be made for passage on the street or sidewalk so obstructed. No such obstruction shall be permitted to remain beyond the period of the permit and all persons using the street or sidewalk as herein provided shall provide a surety bond to hold the city harmless from any and all damage or loss which may result from such use. [Code 2000 § 9-2-4].