If you own property near SpaceX’s Starbase in South Texas, things may be about to change — and not in your favor. While Elon Musk has painted a dreamy picture of a futuristic launch hub in Boca Chica, reality for local homeowners is getting harder to ignore. Here’s what you need to know about the evolving power dynamics and property rights in what is fast becoming a modern-day company town.
Know About Property Rights Near Starbase, Texas
| Issue | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| Property usage rights at risk | Homeowners received letters warning they might lose the right to live in their homes |
| Zoning control dominated by SpaceX | Starbase’s mayor and city council are largely made up of SpaceX employees |
| Beach access may disappear | New legislation could let Starbase close roads and beaches during launches |
Elon Musk has reimagined South Texas as the gateway to Mars. But in the shadow of those Starship launches, longtime residents face losing their homes, beaches, and say in local government. Whether you view it as visionary or overreach, one thing is clear: Starbase isn’t just a launch site—it’s a legal and ethical battleground.
A Not-So-Subtle Warning to Homeowners
On May 21, residents in Boca Chica Village got formal letters from the newly incorporated City of Starbase stating they may “lose the right to continue using your property for its current purpose.”
Translation? Your home might soon be zoned for something other than residential use. The proposed zoning ordinance, which will be reviewed in a public hearing on June 23, 2025, could legally redefine neighborhoods into mixed-use or industrial areas.
“We didn’t move here to live next to a launch pad,” one resident told a local reporter. “Now they’re saying we might not even be allowed to stay.”
Starbase: A Company Town in Disguise?
Technically, Starbase is a city. But it’s one whose officials are closely tied to Elon Musk’s empire.
Since its incorporation in May 2025, the town’s governance has been stocked with SpaceX personnel. Critics warn this creates a scenario where policy, zoning, and public services could all be steered to benefit one entity—SpaceX.
Urban planning expert Dr. Linda McCall, who has studied company towns, said in an interview, “This isn’t just a land-use issue. It’s about the erosion of democratic norms in governance.”
Grandfathered Use? Not Guaranteed
Texas laws usually protect existing property uses when a city is newly incorporated. But here’s the catch: those rights must be explicitly grandfathered into zoning plans.
If your property use isn’t included in Starbase’s upcoming zoning ordinance, you could be legally barred from living there as before. So far, city officials have not confirmed whether all existing homeowners will be protected.
Public Lands, Private Agendas
Recent legislation known as HB 5246 could give Starbase the power to shut down public spaces like Boca Chica Beach and Highway 4 during rocket launches. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it could shut out locals, fishermen, and Indigenous groups from land they’ve used for generations. The FAA is already expanding SpaceX’s permitted annual launches from 5 to 25—so expect more closures.
Environmental and Cultural Impacts
Environmental advocates and local tribes argue that SpaceX’s unchecked expansion threatens endangered species, sacred lands, and a fragile coastal ecosystem.
And these aren’t just abstract concerns. Residents report sonic booms cracking windows, power outages from construction, and blocked roads.
As a Texan who’s camped near Boca Chica before the rockets came, I can say the place had a unique stillness. That’s gone now.
What Happens Next?
Here are the next major developments to watch:
- June 23: Zoning hearing. This is the last chance for residents to contest proposed changes.
- Governor’s decision on HB 5246: If signed, Starbase gains sweeping power over public access.
- Legal action from homeowners: Advocacy groups are prepping lawsuits if properties aren’t grandfathered in.
