Elon Musk has stated that X Corp., formerly known as Twitter, will remain in San Francisco, but the prominent flashing “X” sign atop its Market Street building has been removed.
This action was taken following the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection receiving 24 complaints about the unpermitted structure during the weekend. The concerns raised included worries about its structural safety and the flashing lights.
In response to the situation, Patrick Hannan, the city’s Department of Building Inspection communications director, confirmed that building inspectors witnessed the structure being dismantled. He explained that a building permit is necessary for the removal of such a structure. However, due to safety concerns, the permit can be obtained after the structure has been taken down.
The property owner will face fees for the installation of the unpermitted illuminated structure. These fees will cover building permits for both its installation and removal, as well as the costs associated with the investigation carried out by the Department of Building Inspection and the Planning Department.
X Corp.’s Voluntary Sign Removal Raises Concerns
X Corp. informed the agency that the removal of the sign was done voluntarily. However, they have not yet responded to the request for comment.
A video showing the flashing signage was tweeted by one of the neighbors, leading to rapid and severe reactions on the social media platform.
The installation of the sign took place last week, right after workers had removed the Twitter sign from the building.
The work was briefly paused as the company lacked the required permits, resulting in only the letters “er” remaining for a short period.
During the weekend, an inspector from the Department of Building Inspection documented that company representatives had denied roof access to city officials twice when they attempted to inspect the logo. In the report, the inspector mentioned that one representative claimed the sign was only temporary.
The exact amount of the fine was not immediately evident.
Conclusion
Elon Musk confirmed X Corp.’s commitment to stay in San Francisco, but the flashing “X” sign on their building was removed due to unpermitted installation and safety concerns. The company’s response to the removal remains pending. A video of the flashing sign drew intense reactions on social media. Despite the temporary pause in work and denial of roof access, the sign was ultimately dismantled. The property owner faces fines for the unauthorized structure.
