The legislative body may not confirm the assessment unless the owners of a majority in area of the lands in the district subject to assessment have filed with the clerk of the legislative body written consent to the levy of an assessment under this chapter. An owner of land means one who appears as the owner in fee on the records of the county recorder on the date the consent is filed and includes an executor, administrator, guardian, or trustee as to property of an estate or trust represented by him. An owner may file his written consent at any time either prior to the adoption of the resolution of intention or prior to the hearing or during the hearing and prior to the conclusion thereof. Prior to the conclusion of the hearing the legislative body shall determine whether or not a majority consent has been filed and such determination shall be conclusive.