X marks the spot: San Francisco launches investigation into Elon Musk's Giant 'X' sign on Twitter HQ

livemint.com:

Elon Musk is currently facing scrutiny from San Francisco city officials as they have initiated a complaint and launched an investigation regarding a colossal "X" sign recently installed atop the downtown building, previously recognized as the Twitter headquarters. The sign is part of Musk's ongoing efforts to rebrand the social media platform. According to city authorities, any alterations to letters or symbols on buildings, including the erection of signs on top of them, must be accompanied by a permit to ensure compliance with design and safety regulations, reported AP.

Following the intervention of San Francisco police on Monday, workers attempting to remove the iconic bird and logo of the brand from the side of the building were halted. The police cited safety concerns, as the workers had not taken the necessary precautions, such as taping off the sidewalk, to protect pedestrians from potential falling objects. According to the report, in response to the incident, Patrick Hannan, the spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, emphasized the city's requirement for a permit before any replacement letters or symbols could be installed.

He stressed that such permits are crucial to maintain the historical integrity of the building and to ensure the secure attachment of any new additions to the sign. Reportedly, Hannan stated on Friday that obtaining a permit is also mandatory for erecting a sign on top of a building. He further explained that the installation of the said sign would also necessitate planning review and approval.