Any sidewalk which is constructed on any public street, avenue or thoroughfare within the city limits and which is not constructed in conformity with the provisions of this chapter is an insufficient sidewalk and a nuisance and not such a sidewalk as public convenience and safety requires, and the city council shall have the right to order and cause such sidewalk to be removed and replaced by a sidewalk constructed in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, all at the expense of the owner or owners of the property abutting thereon. (1957 code § 8.12.040.)