Giant X logo atop Twitter HQ in San Francisco draws cops and ire of Musk’s neighbours

San Francisco has been abuzz with another controversy after the large, glowing "X" logo appeared on top of the downtown building, formerly known as Twitter headquarters. The installation took place as part of owner Elon Musk's ambitious rebranding of the social media platform.

However, city officials wasted no time in launching an investigation, as they claim that any alteration to building letters or symbols needs permits for design and safety reasons.

The clash between Musk's vision and the city's regulations surfaced when workers were halted from removing Twitter's iconic bird and logo from the building's side on Monday (July 24). Safety concerns were cited, as the sidewalk wasn't adequately secured for pedestrians during the removal attempt.

Officials demand permits

• Patrick Hannan, the spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, emphasised the need for permits to ensure the historical integrity of the building and to guarantee the safe attachment of any additions.
• Some locals have complained about the intrusive lights emanating from the logo, recording videos of the sign pulsing and strobing.
• Critics have voiced their concerns, imagining the bright logo flashing right across from their bedrooms, indicating a lack of consideration for the community.

'This is my life now!' Furious #California resident slams huge new X sign above Twitter offices that pulsates beams of light into his bedroom window pic.twitter.com/XK4Vy1pbaF

— Hans Solo (@thandojo) July 30, 2023

• According to some, Building Inspection officials were twice denied to enter the headquarters that was there to inspect the scene, insisting it was only a temporary installation.

ALSO READ: Twitter is now X and Twitter is mourning the beloved Blue Bird with memes

• According to an areal photograph of the building, the X could be seen erected using a bunch of sandbags, which raises safety concerns too.

X / Twitter won't let city building inspectors check out the giant X logo on the roof of their HQ

inspectors have been denied access for the past two days upon visiting to inspect the structure https://t.co/bqc1JXuUbn pic.twitter.com/93R0bieIfs

— Matt Binder (@MattBinder) July 30, 2023

• The installation of the "X" sign on the rooftop also requires planning review and approval, which the city authorities claim was not sought by Musk's company.
• These concerns have ignited a complaint, leading to an official investigation into the matter. 

Musk stands ground

• Despite the mounting criticism and scrutiny from city officials and residents, Elon Musk remains steadfast in his decision to keep his platform in San Francisco.
• He took to social media to assert his commitment to the city, even amid what he termed a "doom spiral," referring to the recent departures of various companies from San Francisco.

Many have offered rich incentives for X (fka Twitter) to move its HQ out of San Francisco.

Moreover, the city is in a doom spiral with one company after another left or leaving.

Therefore, they expect X will move too.

We will not.

You only know who your real friends are when…

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 29, 2023

Musk's unwavering stance could well be a glimmer of hope for a city struggling to recover from the pandemic's economic impact, with business losses and reduced tourism taking a toll on San Francisco's downtown region. As some big players shifted their headquarters out of the city,

Musk's decision to stay could signal a potential revival for the city's tech sector and overall business landscape.

ALSO READ: Twitter snatches X handle without paying a single dime, OG owner gets new account