I live in a condo on the second floor of an 1890's row house that has a fire escape off the kitchen that joins to the neighbor's window next door. The floor of the fire escape is window height, so not very pleasant to look at. Can I remove the fire escape and replace it with a larger balcony, provided it still gives access to the neighbors in the event of a fire. I'm guessing I need to keep it metal/iron? I'd probably also need to keep the floor as slats or strips so that light can still flow through to the first floor unit. Anyone know whether it is legal to build such a balcony in place of a fire escape? Any restrictions I should be aware of? Also, I know this is more of a legal question but do I need the permission of the neighbor's downstairs and/or the neighbor's who share the fire escape?

I would get all on board here to start this. Talk to neighbors and not scare them as to what you want to do.

This is a fire code situation, along with an inspectors and your local codes.

They can give the correct answer. Sorry can't speculate on this because I don't know your local codes there.

21 Boat is correct. Always ask for building local codes as this may not be allowable.

Many condos are governed by a Home Owners Association, do you have a HOA?