If you were the richest man in the world, you might think you can do just about anything. With money and power, it’s easy to influence systems, even if it means taking a few bold steps for your personal privacy.
That’s exactly what seems to be happening with Elon Musk. In a quiet neighborhood near Austin, Texas, a massive black fence around a luxury mansion has created tension with local residents. And now, the West Lake Hills community is fighting back.
A Fence That Breaks the Rules
The mansion is believed to be owned by Elon Musk, although this has not been officially confirmed. What’s making headlines is the 16-foot-tall black chain-link fence built around the property. For comparison, the legal limit for fences in that area is just 6 feet.
This fence is no ordinary barrier. It’s tall, dark, and according to some locals, it looks more like something you’d see around a royal palace or a high-security building. Some even say it might have razor wire on top, although that’s hard to confirm due to the height of the structure.
Installed Without Permission
What’s more surprising is that this huge fence was built without a proper permit. Property managers later admitted that they did not apply for city approval when the fence was put up in 2022.
While they tried to calm things down by planting trees and greenery to hide the fence, no further steps have been taken to follow city rules or fix the situation.
Neighbors Are Not Happy
Residents of West Lake Hills have voiced strong complaints. They say the mansion has become a disturbance, mainly because of the constant activity from Musk’s security team.
Security staff reportedly come and go in three shifts a day, and the traffic of cars is disrupting the peaceful, quiet lifestyle the area is known for. Neighbors believe that the fence and its related activities are hurting the charm of the neighborhood.
What Happens Next?
The case is now in front of the city council, and a new meeting is expected in June 2025. During this meeting, local officials will decide if the fence should stay or be taken down.
If the city forces Musk to remove the fence, it’s likely he might just buy another mansion elsewhere — and the entire process could repeat in a different neighborhood.