The 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 stating that the use or structure existed before the adoption of the ordinance which rendered the use or structure nonconforming.

Application pursuant hereto may be made to the zoning officer within one year of the adoption of the ordinance which rendered the use or structure nonconforming or at any time to the zoning board of adjustment.

Such application shall contain the name and address of the applicant, the nonconforming use so operated, the date on which the use commenced, the tax lot and block number of its location, any buildings or structures in which such use is contained or are necessary for the operation of such use, and the numbers and types of equipment and/or vehicles utilized in the operation of said use.

The applicant shall have the burden of proof as to all matters alleged. Where application is to the zoning officer it shall be in the form of an affidavit and shall be notarized. Where application is made to the zoning board of adjustment the application shall be processed as in the case of all other applications to said board. Notice of such application shall be given in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-12.

If the zoning officer fails or refuses to issue a certificate he shall notify the applicant in writing as to the reasons therefor within 45 days from the date of application. Such denial may be appealed to the zoning board of adjustment in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-72, notice of which shall be given in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 55D-12.

An application to the zoning officer shall be accompanied by payment of a fee of $10. Applications to the zoning board of adjustment shall be accompanied by a payment of the fee specified in Subsection 20-3.4f.