On Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:02:58 -0400, The Streets wrote:
I need to replace a ceiling fan that is suspended from
a high ceiling. The ceiling is about 20 feet up and the
fan is on about a 6 foot down rod.

I can reach the fan motor OK with my 10 foot ladder.
But getting all the way to the ceiling mounting point
would require scaffolding.

Is there some safe and legal way to splice the wires
from a new fan motor to the existing wires in the
down rod so that I don't have to go all the way to
the ceiling to connect the new fan?

no

Rent or buy the scafolding, a taller ladder, or hire somebody.