Any lawful use existing in any building or premises at the time of the passage of this chapter and not conforming to the regulations with regard to use for the district in which it is maintained may be continued therein. No building or premises shall be enlarged or extended for such use except upon the granting of approval therefor by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the restoration of a structure partially destroyed by fire or otherwise subsequent to the passage of this chapter or prevent the continuance of the use of a building or part thereof existing at the time of such destruction. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the restoration of a wall, or any part of a building, declared unsafe by the Construction Code Official.

A prospective purchaser, prospective mortgagee or any other person interested in any land upon which a nonconforming use or structure exists may apply in writing for the issuance of a certificate certifying that the use or structure existed before the adoption of the ordinance or amendment which rendered the use or structure nonconforming. The applicant shall have the burden of proof. Application may be made to the Borough Engineer within one (1) year of the adoption of the ordinance or amendment which rendered the use or structure nonconforming or at any time to the Board of Adjustment. The Borough Engineer shall demand and receive for such certificate a fee of ten ($10) dollars. The fees collected by the Borough Engineer shall be paid by him to the Borough Treasurer. A denial by the Borough Engineer shall be appealable to the Board of Adjustment N.J.S.A. 40:55D-72 to 40:55D-75 shall apply to applications or appeals to the Board of Adjustment.