Is this type of transition from sidewalk to curb allowed?

Not sure if this is a good place for this post but thought I'd give it a shot. I'm not sure if this road includes the final 1.5" of asphalt but apparently this design of a grass strip being the transition from sidewalk directly to the asphalt is allowed by the city. As quoted by the city engineer:

"The city will require the builder/ developer to add dirt and sew the grass strip between the sidewalk and the asphalt once the top layer of asphalt has been installed."

I can't imagine how this is allowable as evidenced in the pictures above. A fresh application of dirt and grass will not turn this into a suitable design. Thoughts?