2006 New York Code - Fire-escapes.

 
    §  27. Fire-escapes.  Wire, chain, cable, combustible, vertical ladder
  or rope fire-escapes shall not be accepted as a required or  alternative
  means  of  egress  and, unless such fire-escapes are supplemental to the
  means of egress required by section twenty-six, they  shall  be  removed
  and  replaced  by  a  system of fire-escapes constructed and arranged as
  provided in section one hundred thirty-three. All  fire-escapes  erected
  on  or  after  July  first,  nineteen hundred fifty-three, to serve as a
  second means of egress shall be in conformity  with  the  provisions  of
  section  one  hundred  thirty-three.  It shall be unlawful to remove any
  fire-escape without permission from the department. Such system shall be
  installed, arranged and maintained  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  the
  department and in accordance with rules adopted by the commission.