(a) At least one of the applicants shall include with the application a petition of support signed by at least three residents who are owners of real property and registered voters in the district where the business is to be conducted stating that the applicant:
(1) is known personally to the residents; and
(2) subject to subsection (b) of this section, has been a resident of the county for 2 years immediately preceding the presentation of the application to the residents.
(b) The Board may waive the 2–year residency requirement for an applicant if the applicant:
(1) is the purchaser of a business already in operation; or
(2) has owned the premises for which a license is sought for at least 2 years immediately preceding the filing of the application.