(a) The board may not finance a service or improvement project under this chapter with assessments unless a written petition requesting that service or improvement has been filed with the board.
(b) The petition must be signed by:
(1) the owners of 50 percent of the assessed value of the property in the district subject to assessment based on the most recent certified county tax appraisal roll; or
(2) the owners of 50 percent or more of the surface area of the district subject to assessment, excluding roads, streets, highways, and utility rights-of-way, based on the most recent certified county tax appraisal roll.