1203.4.3 Openings on yards or courts.
Natural ventilation shall be provided by openings on public street, space, alley, park, highway, or right of way; or upon a yard, court, plaza, or space above a setback where such yard, court, plaza or space above a setback complies with Section 1206. No such opening shall be on a recess of less than 6 feet in width.
Exceptions:
1. Openings providing natural ventilation to habitable spaces located in basements or cellars shall also comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 27-2081 through 27-2087 of the New York City Housing Maintenance Code and Sections 26(8) and 34 of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law.
2. A kitchenette, a bathroom, or a water closet compartment may be located on a recess of less than 6 feet in width.
http://codes.iccsafe.org/app/book/content/2014_NYC_Building_HTML/CHAPTER 12.html
http://codes.iccsafe.org/app/book/content/2014_NYC_Building_HTML/CHAPTER%2012.html
1205.2.5 Openings on yards or courts. Exterior glazed openings shall open directly onto a public street, space, alley, park, highway, or right-of-way; or upon a yard, court, plaza, or space above a setback where such yard, court, plaza, or space above a setback complies with Section 1206. No such opening shall be on a recess of less than 6 feet (1829 mm) in width.
Exception: Spaces located in basements or cellars shall also comply with Section 1205.2.3.
http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/st/ny/ci-nyc/b200v08/st_ny_ci-nyc_b200v08_12_sec005.htm?bu=YC-P-2008-000006