All storm sewer service pipes leading from the main sewer in the street or public place to the curb on the sidewalk of the property to be served, shall be laid by and at the expense of the city, and it shall be unlawful for any plumber or other person to lay, repair, renew or remove any such service sewer between the main sewer and the curb on the sidewalk of the property to be served; provided, that whenever any storm sewer shall be laid under any of the streets of the city, with service sewer pipes leading therefrom to the curb, the city may charge such portion of the cost of any such sewer and service pipes as it may think proper to the owners of the property binding on any such street. (Code 1953, § 16.14)