Thank you, we have to consider the cost to redo it as we were only loaned so much to rebuild what super storm sandy destroyed 10/29/12; and that be my amazingly over ambitious contractor.....

Break up the slab and add the right steps in. This doesn't look safe. In my area it would not pass inspection.

Why can't you put a railing on?

speaktodeek- based on the set backs, we we're suppose to have a "removable" step, railings would confirm it's "permanent". I guess ultimately we will see on inspection day?

The thing is, the attached, wooden stair STARTS elevated too high. ANY remedy to this involves building a raised platform of some sort, which MUST have a railing for safety due to the raised platform. While technically it may meet code (and not legally require a railing) if it's under 30 inches elevation (local codes may be more strict, even), for liability reasons it would be INSANE not to put a railing on that platform. So there are ONLY two solutions here if you don't want that liability hanging over your head. Remove the concrete structure and rebuild the wooden stair down lower to the initial step, or use a raised platform WITH a railing. The concrete platform is totally abnormal, if it were me I'd insist the builder re-do the wooden stair PROPERLY. What were they thinking???? Perhaps they were trying to be cheap, as due to the setback they likely needed to build the wooden stair with a 90 degree turn, so they could get the length to take it to the ground level, but not impinge into the setback zone with the "permanent structure." SO instead, they cut the straight run "permanent structure" short, inside the setback, then rigged a bogus platform to finish the run.

Is there a fence ordinance? The only solution reducing your liability that retains the concrete would be to mount an L shaped 6 foot fence surrounding the concrete pad, but I'd guess that piece of fence would also be considered "permanent structure" if it were set into the ground properly. What they should have done is make the 90 degree turn SOONER (closer to the house) and carry the steps down toward the driveway INSIDE the setback, so there could be a railing, regardless whether the platform at the 90 was wood or concrete.

Don't quite understand the "removable " part since you can't move that concrete block but anyway, what if you built a series of flower boxes using the same wood as stairs, to surround the concrete & mount a "railing" with lattice on the concrete side of the boxes? Attach the boxes to the concrete with lag bolts which can be removed but will secure the boxes & railing. Grow some clematis at the back up the lattice & perennials or annuals in the front. In the winter you can fill the boxes with evergreen boughs. Beautiful view for people passing & for you as you use your stairs.

I think you could put some dense shrubs in front and keep them trimmed tight against the concrete block. Anything that grows to 3' would work. Not sure what grows out there a holly or boxwood would be good here in ca. Check your local nursery. Or you could put a couple of 3' boulders in front like a rock scape. This would enlarge the step look and break up the concrete slab look.