Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is facing neighbourhood disputes in Texas over his plans to build a compound, a report claims. Residents near his high-walled compound in West Lake Hills, Austin, have reportedly made complaints, which include allegations of Musk's security calling the police on a neighbour for public nudity. Paul Hemmer , a local homeowners association head, has been vocal about alleged zoning code violations . Hemmer claims he is under constant surveillance from Musk's security cameras . These cameras are installed on a property Musk purchased to merge with two adjacent lots. The merged property is reported to serve as a compound for Musk, his 13 children, and their mothers. In 2024, the tech billionaire purchased this Tuscan-style compound spanning 14,400 square feet, along with an adjacent six-bedroom mansion, for nearly $35 million as he reportedly wanted his children and their mothers to live on the properties so they can be close to each other and he can spend time with them more easily.
What Elon Musk’s neighbour complained about the tech billionaire
Talking about Musk’s compound with the New York Times, Hemmer said: “I call that place Fort Knox.”
Last year, Musk’s security team alleged that Hemmer had displayed indecent behaviour by being naked outside his home. Hemmer denied the claim, insisting he was on his own property wearing black underwear. In a separate incident, Musk’s security cameras captured Hemmer stopping mid–dog walk to urinate.
“The cameras got me. It’s scary they have guys sitting and watching me pe*,” Hemmer said to the NYT.
Hemmer and fellow residents of a West Lake Hills cul-de-sac filed a formal complaint against Elon Musk after he bought a $6 million, 6,900 sq ft mansion there in 2022. Frustrated by Musk’s security measures, Hemmer even flew a video drone over the property to document alleged violations.
Musk’s neighbours objected to a 16-foot chain-link fence, which is ten feet above local limits, with outward-facing cameras, frequent security-guard shifts, and Tesla vehicles clogging quiet streets. City inspectors even found at least six zoning and construction ordinance breaches. Musk’s team sought retroactive permits but were denied, prompting Hemmer’s official grievance, the report noted.
“Transporting service employees to other houses, leaving their cars on our quiet streets, hauling laundry to and fro to other houses has to stop,” Hemmer wrote in the complaint.
Other neighbours, including Hemmer, also appealed to the West Lake Hills Zoning and Planning Commission, arguing that Musk was running a security operation from his home.
In a unanimous decision last month, the commission ruled in the neighbours’ favour, with Commissioner Jim Pledger warning that granting exceptions would encourage rule-breaking. The city council is set to review this decision on May 14, potentially forcing Musk to remove his non-compliant installations, according to the report.
However, Musk’s team defended the measures as necessary, citing the ongoing security threats on him.
What Elon Musk’s neighbour complained about the tech billionaire
Talking about Musk’s compound with the New York Times, Hemmer said: “I call that place Fort Knox.”
Last year, Musk’s security team alleged that Hemmer had displayed indecent behaviour by being naked outside his home. Hemmer denied the claim, insisting he was on his own property wearing black underwear. In a separate incident, Musk’s security cameras captured Hemmer stopping mid–dog walk to urinate.
“The cameras got me. It’s scary they have guys sitting and watching me pe*,” Hemmer said to the NYT.
Hemmer and fellow residents of a West Lake Hills cul-de-sac filed a formal complaint against Elon Musk after he bought a $6 million, 6,900 sq ft mansion there in 2022. Frustrated by Musk’s security measures, Hemmer even flew a video drone over the property to document alleged violations.
Musk’s neighbours objected to a 16-foot chain-link fence, which is ten feet above local limits, with outward-facing cameras, frequent security-guard shifts, and Tesla vehicles clogging quiet streets. City inspectors even found at least six zoning and construction ordinance breaches. Musk’s team sought retroactive permits but were denied, prompting Hemmer’s official grievance, the report noted.
“Transporting service employees to other houses, leaving their cars on our quiet streets, hauling laundry to and fro to other houses has to stop,” Hemmer wrote in the complaint.
Other neighbours, including Hemmer, also appealed to the West Lake Hills Zoning and Planning Commission, arguing that Musk was running a security operation from his home.
In a unanimous decision last month, the commission ruled in the neighbours’ favour, with Commissioner Jim Pledger warning that granting exceptions would encourage rule-breaking. The city council is set to review this decision on May 14, potentially forcing Musk to remove his non-compliant installations, according to the report.
However, Musk’s team defended the measures as necessary, citing the ongoing security threats on him.
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