Elon Musk faces backlash from Austin neighbors over his ‘Fort Knox’-style mansion

Elon Musk has ruffled plenty of feathers since stepping more prominently into the political arena. Now, it seems he’s also a bad neighbor.

In 2022, Musk purchased a six-bedroom, $6 million mansion in the upscale Austin suburb of West Lake Hills, Texas. At the time, he didn’t knock on doors or introduce himself to his new neighbors—but word spread quickly, especially when visibly armed security personnel and their vehicles began appearing on the quiet suburban street.

Since moving in, Musk has erected an unauthorized 16-foot chain-link fence, installed a metal gate, and mounted outward-facing cameras—actions that have irritated local residents, according to a recent report by The New York Times.

“I call that place Fort Knox,” said Paul Hemmer, a Tesla owner and retired real estate agent who lives across the street. Hemmer is also president of the neighborhood homeowners association.

When Musk later attempted to retroactively gain permission for the additions—which violate six city ordinances—the West Lake Hills Zoning and Planning Commission voted unanimously against granting variances. “We’d incentivize people to break the rules,” one commissioner told the Times.

The matter is now set to go before the West Lake Hills City Council in a session scheduled for May 14. Unless the Council overrules the commission’s decision, the fence and gate may need to be removed or modified to comply with town regulations.

The mansion is one of three Musk has purchased in the area over the past three years, with plans to create a compound for his children and their mothers. Musician Claire Boucher, better known by her stage name Grimes, previously lived there with the three children she shares with Musk. Shivon Zilis, a brain technology executive and mother to four of Musk’s children, lives just a 10-minute walk away.

In recent months, the house has been quieter, as Musk has spent more time in Washington advising President Donald Trump. But neighbors say they are bracing for his return.

Hemmer, who now flies drones over Musk’s property to check for city code violations, also has round-the-clock video surveillance in place, he told the Times. Musk’s security team has taken notice—reporting Hemmer to police for allegedly standing naked in the street (he was on his property, wearing underwear).

On another occasion, Hemmer was caught urinating by Musk’s cameras. “The cameras got me,” he said. “It’s scary they have guys sitting and watching me pee.”

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