In a swift response to numerous complaints from local residents, San Francisco authorities have ordered the removal of the giant, garishly lit X logo that was recently installed atop the city’s Twitter headquarters, owned by Elon Musk’s microblogging company X, formerly known as Twitter.
The controversial X logo, meant to serve as an interim replacement for Twitter’s iconic bird logo, quickly drew criticism from nearby residents due to its intrusive lighting effects. Videos circulated over the weekend showing the logo pulsing and crawling with bright lights, disturbing the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood.
According to reports from CNBC and ABC7 News, the logo’s installation had not received the necessary permits and was hastily erected, leading to concerns about its structural safety. When city inspectors sought access to the roof for inspection purposes, Twitter representatives repeatedly denied them, asserting that the X logo was merely a “temporary lighted sign for an event.”
In response to the mounting complaints and the lack of permit compliance, the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection and City Planning issued a notice of violation to the building’s owner. Over the weekend, 24 additional complaints were filed, raising concerns about the safety of the structure and its illumination.
In an email to The Verge, Patrick Hannan, the communications director for the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection and City Planning, confirmed that no permit had been sought for the logo’s dismantlement, but it could be secured after the structure was taken down. He stated that fines would be imposed on the building’s owner to cover the costs of building permits, inspection, and investigation.
Local resident Patricia Wallinga described the X logo’s light display as “a danger” and “a clown show,” expressing her confusion and concern about the bright lights that resembled lightning or police sirens. Other residents shared similar sentiments, prompting further condemnation of the unpermitted installation.
Attorney George Wolf expressed concern over Musk’s approach to such developments, stating, “It’s very, very reckless for Musk to do things this way… It just sounds like it’s just his normal means of doing business. Break things and try and fix them later.”
Despite Twitter’s claim that the removal was voluntary, the company faced no choice but to comply with the city’s order. Twitter is reportedly working on a new, more permanent logo to replace the contentious X design.
The Department of Building Inspection officials released a report detailing the incident, highlighting the company’s denial of roof access to city officials for inspection purposes.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to building regulations and obtaining proper permits to avoid disruptions and legal consequences. As San Francisco moves forward, the controversy surrounding the X logo will likely serve as a cautionary tale for companies seeking to make high-profile changes to their corporate identity.
