(a) The board may not finance an improvement project or service through an assessment imposed under this chapter unless a written petition requesting that improvement or service has been filed with the board.
(b) The petition must be signed by:
(1) the owners of a majority of the assessed value of real property in the district subject to assessment according to the most recent certified appraisal rolls for Denton and Dallas Counties; or
(2) the owners of a majority of the surface area of real property in the district subject to assessment as determined by the board.