Resident asks township to review zoning enforcement after alleging selective citations over storage containers

Halley Lyn Beam addressed the Southampton Township Committee on Aug. 19 to ask for written confirmation that her property at 323 Burrs Mill Road is entitled to one storage container under the zoning ordinance and to request a review of what she described as unequal enforcement.

In a letter read into the record (Exhibit B), Beam said she has complied with prior requirements, obtained a Land Development Board variance in 2023 and spent more than $1,300 on the process, yet continues to receive violation notices and denials. Beam wrote that the Township’s recent determination that the AP Zone is "residential" contradicts Ordinance 12‑4.1(e)(2), prior township correspondence and testimony at her variance hearing, and she alleged that other properties in the same zone have been permitted multiple containers while hers was denied.

"I do not operate a business from my home," Beam told the Committee, asking officials to: (1) confirm in writing that one container is permitted, (2) review the pattern of enforcement, and (3) end what she described as harassment and inconsistent treatment.

The Committee acknowledged the submission. Mayor Ronald Heston thanked Beam for bringing the matter forward and Administrator Brandon Umba said the construction office is currently handling storage‑container licensing and that the zoning officer interprets and approves or denies applications. The record shows the Committee approved multiple storage‑container licenses during the meeting for properties on Route 206 and elsewhere, which Beam cited as part of her inconsistency claim.

Next steps: Beam said she submitted a packet of documents for the record to the Township Clerk and Administrator and said she is prepared to provide additional enforcement letters and court records if requested. The Committee did not announce a specific internal review or remedy during the meeting.