(a) Each municipal corporation may prescribe, either by general or special bylaws or ordinance, the mode in which the charge on the respective owners of lots or lands and on the lots or lands shall be assessed and determined for the purpose authorized by the provisions of this subchapter.
(b) A charge, when assessed, shall be payable by the owners at the time of the assessment, personally, and shall also be a lien on the respective lots or parcels of land in the possession of any owner from the time of assessment.