When any lot or excavation in the City shall from any cause whatsoever become the repository of stagnant water or any decaying or offensive substances, liquid or solid, it shall be the duty of the owner, occupant or agent of such premises (within a specified time given in a written notice from the health department) to cause such excavation or lot to be drained or cleaned and to be filled with clean earth or other inoffensive substance. (Prior code § 12-2)