Context:

Elon Musk attempted to keep private a dispute with his neighbors in West Lake Hills, Texas, regarding unauthorized construction at his mansion. His staff lobbied city officials to conduct a private meeting, citing Musk's federal public official status due to his work with the Trump administration as a reason to exempt the records from public disclosure. Despite these efforts, the city attorney ruled against a private meeting, and at the Zoning and Planning Commission meeting, Musk's appeal to keep the unauthorized structures was denied. The commission recommended that the City Council deny exceptions for Musk's projects, and the matter was postponed to a later City Council meeting. Musk's mansion, bought through a limited liability company, has become a center for his security operations, drawing complaints from neighbors over increased traffic and unauthorized modifications.

Dive Deeper:

• Elon Musk's team sought to keep details of his West Lake Hills mansion and its security operations private after neighbors complained about unauthorized constructions, such as a 16-foot chain-link fence and a gate with a camera.

• Musk's staff argued for a private meeting with city officials, claiming his federal public official status due to his association with the Trump administration should exempt property records from public records laws.

• The city attorney of West Lake Hills denied Musk's request for a private hearing, citing the Texas Open Meetings Act, and the matter was brought to a public Zoning and Planning Commission meeting.

• During the commission meeting, city employees recommended allowing Musk to keep the fence and gate with minor changes, but the commission ultimately voted to advise the City Council to deny Musk's exceptions.

• The City Council meeting to address Musk's appeal was initially scheduled for May 14 but was postponed to June 11 at Musk's team's request, reflecting ongoing attempts to resolve the dispute.

• Musk's mansion, one of three he purchased for his family, has become a hub for security operations, leading to increased traffic and community disputes in the residential area.

• Despite efforts to keep the issue private, emails obtained through public records requests revealed the extent of Musk's team's lobbying and the legal arguments presented to city officials.