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We just went through this in our re-finance. Legally, they have to be able to swing open. We had to remove the ones that didn't swing open or else the bank would not approve our re-fi. They're added on for safety and security but it not a requirement to have them. That was my understanding as per the bank. 

5:29 PM 05/01/2012 | 0 Votes

I believe that window gates only need to open out if they are needed for emergency/fire egress, whether on the garden floor or above onto a fire escape. 

10:00 PM 05/01/2012 | 0 Votes

usually when it is a bank or insurnace company, i've seen many cases where they aren't too concerned with whether or not something is within the requirements for proper egress and fire safety.  
 
I've seen people have an ironsmith retrofit existing bars that are re-framed to open from the middle with a simple latch for inside ocupant, while much less secure still provides deterrent and doesn't look ghastly.  but it is more for appearances, the key is to make it look natural so the bad guys just assume its solid.  that will work for a while i guess.  if you like to sleep with your window open and have bars, then i guess ugly it is.  

12:16 AM 05/02/2012 | 0 Votes

It is legal if you have front and rear exits on the same floor. However, some insurance and mortgage companies don't like them. Some brownstone owners in landmarked areas find themselves in a catch-22, not allowed to remove window bars per the LPC rules, and yet having trouble with their out of state insurer or mortgage company. However, they can always find another company who understands the NYC situation.

4:41 PM 05/02/2012 | 0 Votes

We were told that only one had to open on any side of the house, so that's what we have...

8:03 AM 07/06/2012 | 0 Votes