Under what condition must a window have protective bars in New York?

Protective bars on windows are typically required to enhance safety and security by preventing unauthorized entry while allowing for emergency escape routes in case of fire or other emergencies. In the context of New York, the code mandates that windows that are larger than 96 square inches must be equipped with protective bars. This ensures that larger openings, which could pose a greater risk of break-ins or falls, are made secure while still maintaining the ability for occupants to escape through them if necessary. The requirement focuses on the size of the window, as larger windows can provide more significant access opportunities for intruders and greater safety concerns for falls, especially for children.

The other options don't align with the regulations concerning the need for protective bars, as they focus on inappropriate criteria such as distance from trees or the ground, rather than the critical measurement of the window's size. Therefore, it is the size of the window that dictates the necessity for security measures like protective bars.