Hi everyone, I am having an issue and looking for some advice. We are in the middle of building an addition (20x32). In the back, we have 3 glass sliders which we want to open up to a patio. The idea is to take one step down to the patio and then another step to come off of the patio onto the grass. The sliders were about 24" from what was grade. My Contractor spread the extra dirt in the backyard and along the addition which now is at the sil which is about 10" to the bottom on the sliders. I am being told that the dirt needs to be 8" below the sil to meet code (and get a CO). This will then bring me 18" lower. How can I establish a one step down from the door and still be within code. BTW the patio we want to do in concrete for now and then latter (when we get money again), cover the concrete with a stone (ie. blue stone). Please help.

Rich.

 

If the patio slab is 7" to 7-1/2" below the threshold of the sliders, you're fine, at least to that point. Then, from the slab to the grass that is 15" or so below the level of the patio slab, you'll need a step in between.

The alternative is to have the patio slab about 15" below the threshold of the sliders -- but you'll need a stoop outside of each slider. When you step out of the slider, the first thing you foot touches has to be at least 3' by 3'.