I am thinking about adding a front walkway, from the sidewalk, straight up through 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

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.

Thanks Rick.

I live in los angeles, ca.

SWA

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

Here's the link so you can try later. (http://www.lacity.org/pln/Zone_code/2000zc/ZoneCode.HTM)

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.

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

SWA