At first, residents of an upscale cul-de-sac in Westlake Hills, Texas, were unaware of who occupied the 6,900-square-foot, six-bedroom mansion next door.
This changed when construction crews arrived, erecting a 16-foot chain-link fence around the $6 million property. Positioned among four homes on a lush green street, the complex also featured an outward-facing camera. Soon after, a fleet of vehicles, many Tesla models, began to clutter the streets. Security personnel began shifting in and out three times daily. On one occasion, a driver shouted in the middle of the night about seeking a party at “E’s House.”
Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the keypad-controlled gates that frequently opened and closed, causing traffic congestion from workers and vehicles. Even after word spread that their new neighbor was Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, many continued to voice complaints regarding his mansion to the city of Westlake Hills.
The discontent escalated, invoking city ordinances, permits, and exceptions. Musk’s housing dilemma was discussed during a contentious zoning and planning committee meeting last month, with further discussions set for the Westlake Hills City Council session on May 14th.
“We need to stop shuttling service workers to other residences, parking cars on quiet streets, and washing vehicles at other homes,” wrote neighbor and primary complainant Paul Hemmer to the Zoning and Planning Commission. His letter was co-signed by residents from two additional homes on the street.
Over recent months, Musk, 53, has disrupted long-standing conventions while criticizing what he views as unnecessary federal bureaucracy. Yet, in his own backyard near Austin, he faces challenges posed by local regulations and intricate red tape, revealing that no one is immune to neighborhood disputes.
Prominent figures like Mark Zuckerberg have experienced similar issues, where disagreements over luxurious properties have tested their wealth and influence. Musk, however, has found himself at odds with local government as he failed to secure permits for the metal gates and fences around his property, which exceeded legal height limits by 10 feet, prompting violations of six city ordinances. Musk’s team later sought retroactive approval following community discontent.
Jim Pledger, one of six commissioners on the Westlake Hills Zoning and Planning Commission, mentioned that he and his colleagues unanimously recommended homeowners refrain from voicing complaints against Musk. “If an exception is made,” Pledger warned, “we’d be inadvertently encouraging rule-breaking.”
Unless the city council votes against this resolution, Musk may face requirements to dismantle the fences and gates and alter them to align with municipal regulations.
Musk did not respond to request for comments, while property managers associated with him refrained from making statements.
Musk’s Texas ventures started relatively recently, moving the operations of several companies from California to the state around 2021. He has established factories for the electric car manufacturer Tesla, the aerospace firm SpaceX, and a tunneling enterprise in Austin and nearby Bastrop.
Additionally, Musk relocated to Austin, initially planning to construct a home for himself and his children on hundreds of acres (he owns at least 13). Afterward, he explored other properties.
In 2022, Musk acquired a Westlake Hills residence through a limited liability company. The home is nestled in a residential area, positioned at the bottom of a sloping two-acre lot adjacent to a narrow public road, complicating security efforts.
“Shouldn’t a castle be on a hill?” remarked Anne Yekel, a longtime Westlake Hills resident living nearby. “These buyers were sophisticated, and if security is the primary concern, this isn’t the right property.”
Musk and his team did not introduce themselves to local residents, and few have encountered him. However, the news of his presence spread quickly within the 3,400-member community.
“It’s common knowledge here,” Yekel noted.
The mansion is one of three properties Musk has purchased in the area over the last three years, forming compounds for his children and their mothers. At one point, Claire Boucher, known as Grimes, resided in the home with Musk and his three children, while his child Shivon Zilis lives about a 10-minute walk away. Musk reportedly purchased another Tuscan-style mansion around a year ago.
Neighbors quickly grew tired of the continuous activity around Musk’s residence, noticing security personnel carrying firearms and an increase in Musk’s heightened security measures. While Texas law permits gun ownership, this level of activity was unexpected.
“I refer to it as Fort Knox,” quipped Hemmer, a retired real estate agent and president of the Neighborhood Homeowners Association, who lives across the street.
The house was tranquil on days when Musk was out of town, and locals noted his frequent absences, especially in recent months, as he advised President Trump. Now, residents are left anticipating Musk’s return, which might mean reduced activities in the capital.
Some neighbors voiced particular frustration about the towering fence at the front and the large metal gates presumably serving as an entrance for staff.
Hemmer, a long-time Tesla owner, grew increasingly frustrated with Musk’s activities and began using drones to monitor the property for any city violations. He formally complained to Westlake Hills officials about various issues, including the fence and the perceived traffic generated by Musk’s security team.
Musk’s security team also contacted the Westlake Hills Police Department regarding Hemmer, as documented in city records. One incident involved a security officer claiming Hemmer was found naked in the street last year.
Hemmer refuted this allegation, stating he was merely wearing black underwear on his property. On another occasion, he explained how he was out walking his dog when he needed to urinate, causing Musk’s camera to capture him in the act.
“The camera caught me,” Hemmer shared. “It’s unsettling to think they’re watching my every move.”
Following Hemmer’s multiple complaints, Westlake Hills officials confirmed that Musk had violated city ordinances regarding the fence and gates. The issue was discussed in the recent planning and zoning committee meeting, focusing on the potential for project diversification.
Before the meeting, Tisha Litta, a licensing expert for Musk’s limited liability company, submitted a letter to the Planning Committee seeking relief from the city’s regulations.
“As high-profile individuals, homeowners face ongoing security threats, making enhanced safety measures crucial,” she wrote. Litta did not return requests for comments.
Hemmer and other residents also wrote to the Planning Commission, cautioning against encouraging “poor behavior” in their otherwise peaceful neighborhood.
For a time, it seemed Musk was on track to triumph in his local disputes. Planning and Zoning officials suggested granting “variances” for his property, which would allow him to keep the fences and make minor modifications. However, at the planning meeting, the commissioners opted against granting Musk any exceptions, questioning Litta about the lack of prior permission for construction.
“I just met the property owners last year, and unfortunately, they were under the guidance of a property manager,” she stated, according to meeting records.
Hemmer also mentioned that he suspected the homeowner might be misleading when he spoke during the meeting.
“If you follow the news, he consistently gets called out for starting projects and only later asking for permission,” he remarked.
One unidentified commissioner expressed disbelief that Westlake Hills staff were advocating for exceptions based on who was making the request.
“It’s astonishing that staff are presenting various recommendations based on who is asking,” she remarked.
Decisions made by the Planning Commission do not finalize the process. Upcoming discussions at the Westlake Hills City Council meeting will determine whether to adhere to the committee’s recommendations regarding Musk’s residence.
Should the city council vote against Musk, he may resort to legal action against the town. If that fails, considering his history with campaigns, there will always be subsequent local elections to anticipate.
Kirsten Neus Contributed research.
Source: www.nytimes.com
