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Flashing 'X' sign at Twitter building is taken down

San Francisco’s Department of Building Inspection issued a notice of violation Friday after unpermitted "X" was erected on the roof.
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The flashing “X” sign above the San Francisco building formerly known as Twitter’s headquarters has been removed, video shows, days after it went up and caused complaints about the nighttime display.

Video from NBC Bay Area showed the structure being taken down from the top of the building.

San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection issued a notice of violation Friday after the "X", which did not have a permit, was erected on the roof, department spokesman Patrick Hannan said.

There had been 24 complaints made about the sign over the weekend, including because its lights, he said.

A partially completed "X" sign rests atop the company headquarters, formerly known as Twitter, in downtown San Francisco, on Friday, July 28, 2023. San Francisco has launched an investigation into the sign as city officials say replacing letters or symbols on buildings, or erecting a sign on top of one, requires a permit. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
A partially completed "X" sign atop the company headquarters, formerly known as Twitter, in downtown San Francisco, on Friday, July 28, 2023.Noah Berger / AP

Elon Musk has been rebranding Twitter to “X.” He bought the social media platform for $44 billion and took control in October.

The structure was observed being dismantled and taken down Monday morning, Hannan said.

"The property owner will be assessed fees for the unpermitted installation of the illuminated structure. The fees will be for building permits for the installation and removal of the structure, and to cover the cost of the Department of Building Inspection and the Planning Department’s investigation," he said in an email Tuesday.

Representatives from X did not immediately respond to emailed questions about the removal Monday, including whether it is permanent.

Musk in May said he was stepping down as CEO of Twitter and announced that Linda Yaccarino, former head of ad sales for NBCUniversal, would be the new CEO.

Musk stayed on as chief technology officer.

Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News.