Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is reportedly in conflict with local residents after moving to a wealthy neighborhood in Texas. The issue stems from the 5-meter-high fence and metal gate installed soon after his move, sparking criticism over the excessively high wall that violates local government ordinances.
According to reports from the New York Times (NYT) on the 6th (local time), Musk purchased the disputed dwelling in Westlake Hills, Texas, in 2022. The mansion is approximately 640 square meters (about 193 pyeong) in size, with six bedrooms, and it is estimated to be worth around $6 million (about 830 million won). Including this dwelling, Musk has purchased a total of three dwellings in the area over the past three years to create a living complex for his wives and 14 children.
Shortly after moving into the mansion, a 16-foot (4.8-meter) chain-link fence and a large metal gate were installed. The maximum height permitted by city ordinances is 6 feet (1.5 meters), but the installation of a fence three times higher without prior approval has been criticized.
The presence of several cameras mounted on the fence that illuminate the outside, including neighboring houses, 24 hours a day, and the increase in vehicles due to the three-shift security personnel, have also sparked complaints from residents regarding parking congestion.
As a result, complaints from neighboring residents followed, and the Westlake Hills Planning Commission unanimously rejected a request for a variance for the fence and gate last month. Commissioners noted, "Allowing exceptions could provide incorrect incentives to those who violate the rules."
However, Musk has argued for an exception. A representative for Musk stated in a letter submitted to the Planning Commission that "the resident is a high-profile public figure and is exposed to ongoing security threats, necessitating preemptive measures." According to meeting transcripts, Musk’s team explained that a former site manager had omitted the necessary approval process. The matter is expected to be finalized at the Westlake Hills City Council meeting scheduled for the 11th of next month.
Westlake Hills is an upscale residential area near downtown Austin, home to about 3,400 residents. The NYT reported, "While it's common for affluent individuals and celebrities to move into the area, cases like Musk's, involving multiple ordinance violations and disputes over security operations, are rare."
Meanwhile, Musk, who began transferring most of his business from California to Texas around 2021, recently established his own town in South Texas. He renamed a small coastal village covering 4.6 square kilometers at the southernmost tip of Texas, bordering Mexico, to "Starbase." Starbase is also the name of SpaceX's launch site for its Mars spacecraft, "Starship."
The name change received 97% approval in a referendum, with most of the 283 eligible voters among the 500 residents being SpaceX employees. SpaceX employees submitted a petition to designate the area as a new municipality to the county court on Dec. 24 last year, and if the court accepts it, Starbase will become an official municipality in Texas.