DES permits for a deck???

[John Mercier]

They would still need the DES permit, and would have basically two options.

Rip the deck off the house and build a retaining wall for the two foot height of the patio, fill the retaining wall keeping proper drainage next to the houses foundation, and then add the cost of the pavers on top. If they left that grass, really wouldn't be any difference then going down on the existing flat lawn.

Leave the deck, build steps down, and place the patio on the flat lawn. Still requiring the permit.

The four foot ''landing'' exists most likely because either a sliding or swinging door exists on that side. They don't state that, but usually that is the case.