2015 New York Laws
MDW - Multiple Dwelling
Article 6 - (Multiple Dwelling) CONVERTED DWELLINGS
Title 1 - (172 - 179) LIGHT AND AIR
175 - Alcoves.

  175.  Alcoves.  1.  Every  alcove, except a cooking space or foyer,
  shall be deemed a  living  room  and  shall  open  into  an  immediately
  adjoining  living  room  which opens directly on a yard or street and in
  buildings not over two stories in height,  such  living  room  may  open
  directly  on  an  outer  court or on a court, not less than four feet in
  width, extending from street to yard. Such an alcove shall be separately
  lighted and ventilated, and of such size as provided  for  other  living
  rooms,  unless it has an opening at least thirty-two and one-half square
  feet or more in area opening into a living room immediately adjoining.
2. No part of any room shall be enclosed or subdivided  at  any  time,
  wholly or in part, by a curtain, portiere, fixed or movable partition or
  any  other  device  unless each enclosed or subdivided part meets all of
  the requirements for a separate living room or a lawful alcove.