City says steps will cost at least $65,000; man builds them for $550

  • Already torn out because his steps were not even close to being to code and were dangerous. No footings, wood right on dirt. No landings, trip hazards, poor railing.

    There's a reason that the steps cost $10,000 (the real cost to the city) to install. They need to be durable, safe and installed properly.

  • I know this makes for good press and beauracy does suck. But bylaws and regulation result in safe and livable cities. If everyone just did as they pleased, it would be chaos. But it is a good reminder to always bring practicality into situations and try to minimize wasted money and time.

  • I appreciate what he was trying to do but his installation didn’t look safe, with apparently no attempt to do it to code. He wouldn’t feel too clever if they led to injury. Slipping on steps hurts a lot more than slipping on a muddy slope.

  • These stairs were poorly executed and will need to be removed for safety reasons. However when done to the correct standards this sort of guerrilla infrastructure can last and make a difference.

    https://www.good.is/articles/the-fake-freeway-sign-that-beca...