San Francisco Investigates Twitter for Violating Safety Codes
San Francisco city officials recently launched an investigation into Twitter after the social media giant was found to be in violation of safety codes. The violation was related to the presence of an unauthorized structure on the company’s headquarters roof. According to a complaint filed with the city, an inspector visited Twitter’s headquarters on Friday to inform them of the violation.
The inspector requested access to inspect the sign, but Twitter representatives claimed it was a “temporary lighted sign for an event.” The city inspector clarified that the structure would need to either be removed or brought up to code. However, when city inspectors tried to gain access to the roof again on Saturday, their entry was once again denied by the tenant.
San Francisco’s investigation into the matter emphasizes the importance of obtaining proper permits and adhering to safety regulations. Jesse Hannan, a spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, stated, “A building permit is required to make sure the sign is structurally sound and installed safely. Planning review and approval is also necessary for the installation of this sign.”
On the third attempt, when an inspector returned to Twitter’s headquarters on Monday, they discovered that the sign had been dismantled. It is unclear whether Twitter removed the structure voluntarily or if external pressure prompted the decision.
The violation comes at a time when Twitter has been undergoing significant rebranding. Last month, Elon Musk, who purchased Twitter in 2021, renamed the platform X.com and introduced a new logo. The changes were not only reflected inside Twitter’s San Francisco headquarters but also outside the building, where a giant X was projected after the announcement.
However, the process of rebranding has not been without controversy for Twitter. Workers were stopped by the San Francisco police from removing the platform’s bird logo from the building due to safety concerns. A complaint was also filed with the city, citing permit violations.
Regarding the unauthorized structure on the roof, Jesse Hannan stated that Twitter would be issued fees for the unpermitted installation. The fees will cover building permits for the installation and removal of the structure, as well as the cost of the city’s investigation. However, no estimate was provided for the total sum of these fees.
This latest investigation adds to Twitter’s recent legal troubles. The company was previously sued for $1.9 million by Innisfree M&A Incorporated, an advisory firm it engaged during the sale to Elon Musk. Twitter has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the investigation.