Permission for the improvement of a public street crossing or intersection shall not be granted unless the owners of at least a majority of the frontage of the lots and lands liable for the cost thereof, or the authorized agents of such owners, shall have entered into contract therefor, such frontage being determinable according to method provided in the Improvement Act of 1911 of the State of California as said act provides on the 28th day of January, 1935, for determining the frontage liable for the improvement of street crossings or intersections.