Kathrine Frich
He is almost in an outright neighborhood feud.
He is almost in an outright neighborhood feud.
Elon Musk has transformed his suburban Texas mansion into a high-security fortress, complete with towering fences, armed guards, and a battery of surveillance cameras.
But neighbors in West Lake Hills, an upscale enclave near Austin, say the billionaire’s precautions have turned into a living nightmare.
Security Cameras and Allegations of Voyeurism
Paul Hemmer, a retired real estate agent and head of the local homeowners association, claims he’s been under constant surveillance since Musk’s arrival.
At one point, Musk’s security team even accused him of standing naked in the street.
Hemmer denies the allegation, insisting he was on his property wearing black underwear.
“They’re Watching Me Pee”
Hemmer says the situation escalated when Musk’s security cameras caught him stopping to urinate while walking his dog.
“It’s scary they have guys sitting and watching me pee,” he told The New York Times.
The level of monitoring, he argues, goes far beyond what should be acceptable in a residential neighborhood.
16-Foot Fence Violates Local Ordinances
One of the most visible signs of Musk’s presence is the 16-foot-high chain-link fence surrounding his mansion, six feet above the city’s legal limit.
The towering barrier has transformed the once-quiet cul-de-sac into something resembling a high-security compound.
Fleet of Teslas, Armed Guards, and Constant Traffic
Residents report constant congestion from Musk’s team of service vehicles and Teslas parked on their narrow streets.
Armed security personnel rotate shifts three times a day, reinforcing the sense that Musk is operating a private security business out of his home.
Musk’s Neighbors Push Back
Frustrated residents, led by Hemmer, formally appealed to the West Lake Hills Zoning and Planning Commission.
Their complaint cited at least six city ordinance violations and described Musk’s compound as incompatible with the surrounding residential environment.
Musk’s Permits Denied
Musk’s representatives tried to retroactively secure permits for the extensive modifications and installations on the property, but were denied.
Local officials rejected the application last month, citing multiple zoning violations.
Formal Reprimand from City Commissioners
Commissioner Jim Pledger made it clear that exceptions wouldn’t be tolerated:
“If an exception was made, we’d incentivize people to break the rules.”
The message is that not even the world’s richest man is above local law.
Drone Surveillance and Resident Retaliation
In response to Musk’s surveillance, Hemmer reportedly flew a video-equipped drone over the compound to document what he believed were unlawful activities.
The drone footage became part of the neighbors’ formal appeal to city officials.
Musk’s Justification: Security Threats
Musk’s camp has cited ongoing personal security threats as justification for the heightened defenses.
With 13 children, several co-parents, and a global public profile, Musk argues that his safety protocols are essential even if they clash with local codes.
Council Decision Looms
The matter will now go before the West Lake Hills city council on May 14.
Musk could be ordered to remove the unauthorized structures and scale back operations that neighbors allege resemble a private corporate facility more than a home.