It shall be the duty of the building inspector to inspect or cause to be inspected, every sign, canopy or awning which extends over any sidewalk, street, alley or other public way. If any such sign, signboard or canopy is found to be insecurely fastened he shall report this fact to the owner of the sign or to the owner or occupant of the premises on which it is fastened. If the sign or canopy is not made secure within ten days after such notice, it may be torn down on order of the city council at the owner’ s expense. (Prior code § 33-4-8)