Window guards

Replacement windows that don't open at the bottom?

Legally, you have to install window guards. You can install windows that don't open at the bottom, and also guards that prevent the windows from being open more than an inch or two. But I don't know if those circumvent the window guard requirement.

Here is the law:

Your apartment might not have regular (double hung ) window. If you have a different kind of window , special window guards and stops approved by the Health Department must be used.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/win/winbroc.shtml

More specifically, look at section 12-11 for non-double-hung windows

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/win/wincha.shtml#12-07

You should take a look at vertical pivoting windows, perhaps:

Sliding windows and vertical pivoting windows may use stopping devices in lieu of window guards as follows:

1. Sliding windows. A solid metal block, measuring at least one half the depth of the window track and one half the width, shall be securely fastened by two (2) screws in the bottom window track, and a solid metal block or an "L" shaped metal stop shall be securely fastened by two (2) screws in the upper window track, to prevent the window from opening more than 4 ½ inches.
2. Vertical pivoting windows. Metal stopping devices shall be securely fastened to the upper and lower window frames by two (2) screws so as toprevent the window from pivoting open more than 4 ½ inches. The height of the stopping devices shall extend no less than one inch, no less than twoinches beyond the window frame as needed to stop the window.