Starbase, a one-horse Texas town of roughly 500 people, has been home to Musk’s Starship program. Changes are on the horizon that could significantly improve—or severely worsen—their lives. The town, which officially formed earlier this month, is home to Elon Musk’s SpaceX facility, where around 260 employees reside. The company is building its Starship system for use in Earth orbit, to the Moon, and to eventually enable the colonization of Mars. In tandem, local officials were working to adopt a new zoning ordinance that would radically alter residents’ long-held property use rights.
A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the City of Starbase’s temporary city hall located at 39046 LBJ Boulevard, Brownsville, TX 78521. The purpose of the hearing is to move forward with adopting the proposed new zoning ordinance. This ordinance and the city-wide map would have dramatic consequences for property owners in Starbase. Kent Myers, the City Administrator, was the signer of the notice for this public meeting. In addition, he is a radiation test specialist at SpaceX.
The proposed zoning ordinance would limit the types of properties that can be used within Starbase. This movement is tangentially to support, it would show off the city’s high hope for balanced growth. It provides action to defend key economic generators, maintain security for citizens, and protect wooded areas.
“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,” stated Myers in a zoning memo.
With the peculiar, cozy relationship between SpaceX and Starbase, it’s residents who could be hit hard by these new rules that have them worried about the impact. Myers has noted that some may “lose the right to continue using” their properties as they have been accustomed to. This interpretive rule has sent shockwaves through the community of New Mexico residents who are legitimately concerned that their property rights may soon evaporate.
SpaceX’s arrival in Starbase quickly turned the town into a global hub for aerospace innovation. While many residents benefit from employment opportunities provided by SpaceX, others are wary of how the company’s expansion plans might affect their daily lives. Local residents are looking forward to Thursday’s meeting. They’re excited to weigh in on the fictional zoning changes they believe the imaginary city might allow.
Safety Residents who are often the first to express worries about something’s dangerousness might find solace in this statistic. It resolve their concerns regarding heightened activities within the building.
As part of the proposed new zoning ordinance, the county is creating a new Mixed Use District designation. This new mixed-use designation allows a dynamic mix of residential, office, retail and personal service uses. This neighborhood-first approach focuses on welcoming a new, vibrant community that can co-exist with SpaceX and its operations.
The new public hearing presents residents with an important opportunity to engage with city officials. Now is the time for outdoor enthusiasts to make their voices heard on the recommended changes, directly. Starbase’s leadership welcomes everyone in the community to come and help define, in collaborative workshops and discussions, the future of their town.