I am thinking about adding a front walkway, from the sidewalk, straight up thru my lawn to my front door. ( Presently, you must walk up the driveway, then left along a walkway to the front door)

Question.

My front lawn slopes down exactly 25" from from the bottom landing of the front door steps, to the sidewalk, which is 31'. I would "like" to use flagstone, layed level to the grass, with no steps, so that cutting the lawn will be easier.I guess it would be more of a "path"

Does this drop of 2 feet require steps? Is it personal preference? Is there a general rule of thumb?

Opinions?

SWA

RickJ

25" for 31' seems borderline to me, so I think you're right to get some good info.

1. There very well may be local codes that will dictate this; check your city listings for "code enforcement". Give them a call, they are typically quite helpful. My city has them online. If you tell your city I'll see if I can find it for you.

2. If your neighborhood has a "commission" of some sort, they might be a good source, too.

3. You can also drive around your neighborhood looking at other yards with walks to see if maybe there is a norm around there.

SirWorksalot

Thanks Rick.

I live in los angeles, ca.

SWA

RickJ

The page of LA's Planning and Zoning Code is down right now.

Here's the link so you can try later.

I expected to find a Building or Housing code section but did not.

Some city codes are easier to search than others, so it may be easier to just give 'em a call:

The phone number for "Building and Safety" - which I'll assume is the area to speak to - is 888-524-2845.

Since you may get bounced around, keep it short, as in:

"I want to add a sidewalk to my sloped yard and want to know if there is a code requirement for a step."

That ought to get you to the right person.

And by the way, if you want to keep hunting for the answer on their site, Go to http://lacity.org/, hover over the "For Residents" Tab, then click "Home Improvement and Construction".

The link I mentioned earlier was the one for "Planning & Zoning Code" but you may be able to find what you want by putting your property info into the fields at the "Property Zoning Information" link.

SirWorksalot

Thanks for the info . I will begin searching that site tonight.

SWA