Elon Musk’s SpaceX warns residents they may lose the right to ‘continue using’ their property
The world’s richest man is wasting no time turning his ambitious vision for Starbase, Texas, into a reality.
Following a 97.7% vote in favour of establishing the new SpaceX city, development has accelerated dramatically from Musk’s initial two-page plan. With around 500 residents, a school, a mayor, and a 12-foot bust of Musk’s head, Starbase is essentially a modern-day company town.
The city is already hiring for dishwashers and mixologists at an upcoming Tiki Bar, among more technical space scientist roles.
However, many Starbase residents have received a letter concerning their property rights.
Starbase is rolling out a a new zoning proposal. (RoschetzkyIstockPhoto/Getty)
According to a memo obtained by CNBC, some property owners have been warned they could ‘lose the right to continue using’ their land.
“Notice is hereby given that the City Commission for the City of Starbase will conduct a public hearing on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at the City of Starbase temporary city hall,” the letter read.
The notice was sent to individuals whose properties fall within a proposed ‘Mixed Use District’ and outlined sweeping zoning changes that would allow for ‘residential, office, retail, and small-scale service uses’.
The letter continued: “Our goal is to ensure that the zoning plan reflects the city’s vision for balanced growth, protecting critical economic drivers, ensuring public safety, and preserving green spaces.
“You are receiving this notice because you own the above listed property that will be located in the “Mixed Use District” and will be impacted if the zoning ordinance is approved.”
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The SpaceX city features a 12-foot-tall bust of Elon Musk (GABRIEL CARDENAS/Getty Images)
Officially incorporated earlier this month, Starbase is now classified as a ‘type-C municipal corporation’ and is governed by current and former SpaceX staff.
At the centre of the town is SpaceX’s launch facility, where the company tests its massive Starship rocket.
Earlier this week, SpaceX conducted its ninth test flight, which ended in an explosion. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said there had been ‘no reports of public injury or damage to public property.’
Since 2008, SpaceX has secured over $20 billion in US government contracts and is expected to continue receiving billions of dollars annually.
SpaceX’s long-term goal is to use the Starship system to transport humans and cargo to the Moon and, one day, help with colonising Mars.
Meanwhile, one of the city’s goals is to gain full authority to close nearby roads and beaches during launch activity without requiring additional approval from other local agencies.
