In this situation, is this considered one step or two? Is it ok for the first step to be ground level or should there be a riser?

[Tonks18]

 

[Sifu]

I would call it one, but not crazy about the landing. That makes for an awkward step down and a possible trip hazard. If the aesthetic was important I think it would have been better to start it after a level landing.

 

[Tonks18]

And are there any international residential code violations?

 

[rktect 1]

You have a landing. Then you have one step.

 

[tmurray]

I would call it one step as well.

 

[bill1952]

And are there any international residential code violations?

I don't know but definite hazards. Low rise, very little marking, no handrail, and that slab-gravel-slab will cause falls.