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I live in a 10 story condo building in San Francisco, and had a window crack during a Giants fireworks show. After speaking to our building manager I found out the cost to replace a window above the 3rd floor is about $10k. You need all sorts of specialized permits, a contractor, and a paramedic on site during the work.

paramedic on the window floor, or at ground level?

To what, catch the guy if he falls?

On the ground. I believe the concern is over falling glass picking up speed on the way down.

You do in most major metros. Especially if the building is considered a "historic resource."

On a historic building 100+ feet off the ground? Yes, permits are generally required wherever you are. It's not quickly replacing a ground floor window in the suburbs.