(a) The board may promulgate, pursuant to the provisions of chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, such reasonable rules as are deemed necessary or desirable to implement and make effective the provisions of this article.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section two, article seven, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, any notice required under the provisions of this article shall be given at the direction of the chair by (1) personal or substituted service and if such cannot be had then by (2) certified United States mail, addressed, postage and certification fee prepaid, to the last known mailing address, if any, of the person being served, with the direction that the same be delivered to addressee only, return receipt requested, and if there be no known mailing address or if the notice is not so delivered then by (3) publication of such notice as a Class II legal advertisement in compliance with the provisions of article three, chapter fifty-nine of this code, and the publication area for such publication shall be the county or counties wherein any land which may be affected by the order of the board is situate. The chair shall also mail a copy of such notice to all other persons who have specified to the chair an address to which all such notices may be mailed. All notices shall issue in the name of the state, shall be signed by the chair, shall specify the style and number of the proceeding, the date, time and place of any meeting, conference or hearing, and shall briefly state the purpose of the proceeding. Proof of service or publication of such notice shall be made to the board promptly and in any event within the time during which the person served must respond to the notice. If service is made by a person other than the sheriff or the chair, such person shall make proof thereof by affidavit. Failure to make proof of service or publication within the time required shall not affect the validity of the service of the notice.