In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Erect” means, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, to construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw, or in any other way bring into being or establish. “Erect” does not include any of the activities described in paragraph (1) of this subsection when performed only as an incident to a change of advertising message or the customary maintenance or repair of an outdoor sign or outdoor sign structure. “Main traveled way” means: That part of a roadway that is used for the movement of vehicles and on which through traffic is carried; and In the case of a divided highway, that part of each of the separated roadways that is used for the movement of vehicles and on which through traffic is carried in opposite directions. “Main traveled way” does not include: Shoulders; or Frontage roads, turning roadways, parking areas, or similar facilities. “On premise outdoor sign” means any outdoor sign that, regardless of content, is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform the traveling public of: The sale or lease of the property on which it is located; The sale or lease of a product grown, produced, or manufactured on the property on which it is located; The sale or lease of a service performed on the property on which it is located; or The name of the owner, agent, assignee, or lessee of the property on which it is located. “Outdoor sign” means any outdoor sign, display, light, structure, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, placard, poster, billboard, device, or other thing that is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform the traveling public. “Visible” means capable of being seen, whether or not legible, without visual aid by a person of normal eyesight.

The provisions of this subtitle are in addition to any other provisions of law that regulate or govern signs along highways or on public property. This subtitle does not prohibit the erection or maintenance of any traffic sign, signal, or other device by the Administration or any local authority in accordance with the Maryland Vehicle Law.

This subtitle does not apply to the erection or maintenance of any school bus waiting shelter displaying outdoor signs if: The advertising does not exceed 32 square feet; The shelter has no more than one sign facing in any one direction; and The shelter has no more than two signs in all. All outdoor signs on school bus waiting shelters are subject to applicable local zoning regulations and standards approved by the State Highway Administration and, in an area to which Part IV of this subtitle applies, that are consistent with the Code of Federal Regulations regarding national standards for outdoor signs on interstate and federal–aid primary highways.

The Administration shall administer and enforce this subtitle.

The Administration may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle, including those rules and regulations that, consistent with the safety and welfare of the traveling public, the Administration considers necessary to govern: The issuance of licenses and permits under this subtitle; The location, size, lighting, and spacing requirements for any outdoor sign for which a permit is to be issued; and The method of erecting and maintaining an outdoor sign under a permit. Before a rule or regulation may be adopted under this subtitle, notice of a public hearing on the rule or regulation shall be published once a week for 2 successive weeks in at least two newspapers of general circulation in this State. The notice shall specify a time and place for the public hearing. After the hearing, the Administration may adopt the proposed rule or regulation.

For an immersive entertainment venue, as defined in § 12–201 of the Economic Development Article, the Secretary may grant waivers or exceptions to any provision in this subtitle that requires State approval.

A person may not engage in the business generally known as outdoor advertising for profit gained from rentals or other compensation received for the erection, use, or maintenance on real property of any outdoor sign, unless the person is licensed by the Administration under this part.

Each application for a license under this part: Shall be made on a form provided by the Administration; and Shall include: The full name of the applicant; The mailing address of the applicant; and Any other relevant information that the Administration requires for consideration of the application. Each license issued under this part expires on the April 30 after its issuance and may be renewed annually on application and payment of the required fee.

Each applicant for a license or the renewal of a license under this part shall pay an annual fee established by the Administration, based on the number of outdoor sign structures. If a license is issued in any month after May, the fee for that license shall be prorated according to the number of months, including the month of its issuance, that remain in the license year.

The Administration shall issue a license under this part to any applicant who has complied with the requirements of this part.

Whether or not the person must be licensed under Part II of this subtitle, a person may not erect or maintain any outdoor sign outside the limits of any municipal corporation and within 500 feet of a State highway, unless the person has a permit issued by the Administration for that sign. A permit is not required under this section to erect or maintain any outdoor sign: That is used only to advertise the sale or lease of the property on which it is located; That is on or within 100 feet of any building or the entrance to any building in which the business advertised is carried on; That is used only to advertise: A Maryland historic shrine or institution; or A county or church fair held in this State; That advertises a candidate or the support or defeat of any proposition. This sign: Shall comply with all provisions of the Election Law Article; Shall comply with public safety requirements as set forth in § 8–716 of this subtitle; Shall conform to all local restrictions and zoning requirements which are more restrictive than this section; and Shall conform to the restrictions and requirements of Parts IV and V of this subtitle; or That is only a temporary outdoor sign that advertises the sale in season of fresh produce on property that adjoins a State highway by a person who has grown the fresh produce and who owns, rents, or has permission to sell on the property. This sign: Shall comply with public safety requirements as set forth in § 8–716 of this subtitle; Shall conform to all local restrictions and zoning requirements that are more restrictive than this section, including any applicable time limitation; Shall conform to the restrictions and requirements of Parts IV and V of this subtitle; and Shall be removed or covered when produce is no longer for sale.

Each application for a permit under this part: Shall be made on a form provided by the Administration; Shall be signed by the applicant; and Shall include the information required by this section. Each application for an outdoor sign permit shall include: The name of the county and election district and the approximate distance from the nearest municipal corporation where the applicant proposes to erect or maintain the sign; A statement as to whether or not the proposed location is within any area over which the General Assembly has granted zoning powers to any agency and, if the proposed location is within such an area: The name of that area; and A certificate that satisfies the Administration that the appropriate agency has approved the erection or maintenance of the sign; Specifications as to each of the following: The dimensions and the area in square feet of advertising surface on the sign, as contained within a line drawn around the outer edge of its advertising matter, pictorial design, and all border and trim; The distance from the ground to the top of the sign; The material used in the construction of the sign; and The distance from the sign to the nearest highway; A plat that accurately shows, for the area within 500 feet of the sign: The proposed location of the sign with reference to the location of each State highway; The location of the boundaries of the State highway; and The relative location of any intersection at grade of the State highway with another highway or with a railroad; and Any other plats or information that the Administration considers necessary to determine whether the sign qualifies for a permit under § 8-716 of this subtitle.

The Administration may not issue a permit under this part for any outdoor sign if: The area of its advertising surface, as required to be specified in the application, exceeds 1,000 square feet; It might affect adversely the safety of public travel on any State highway by dangerously obstructing the clear view of the highway by the driver of a motor vehicle on it; It is lighted in a way that makes it dangerous to drive a motor vehicle on a State highway; or It is located, as to any intersection at grade of a State highway with another highway or with a railroad: At any point where it obstructs or interferes with the view of a train or other vehicle approaching the intersection; or At any other point where it is dangerous to the public in any way.

Each permit issued under this part expires on the April 30 after its issuance. A permit issued under this part may be renewed annually on application and payment of the required fee. If the renewal fee for a permit is not paid by July 1 of a permit year, the Administration may charge a $5 late fee for the permit. If the renewal fee for a permit is not paid by October 1 of a permit year, the Administration may remove the outdoor sign for which the fee is not paid, as provided in Part VI of this subtitle.

Each applicant for a permit or the renewal of a permit under this part shall pay an annual fee established by the Administration, based as to each outdoor sign on the area of its advertising surface. If a permit is issued in any month after May, the fee for that permit shall be prorated according to the number of months, including the month of its issuance, that remain in the license year, but the fee may not be less than $1.

The Administration shall issue a permit under this part to any applicant who has complied with the requirements of this part. The permits issued under this part shall be numbered consecutively.

Any person whose application for a permit under this part is rejected by the Administration may appeal to the circuit court for the county in which the outdoor sign is to be located. The appeal shall be heard de novo.

On each outdoor sign for which a permit is required under this part, there shall be written plainly, in the manner that the Administration requires: The name and mailing address of the person owning or controlling the sign; and The number and expiration date of the permit for the sign.

Except for payment of the annual fee required by § 8-718 of this subtitle, this part does not affect any outdoor sign in existence on June 1, 1931, unless the sign: Affects adversely the safety of public travel on any State highway by dangerously obstructing the clear view of the highway by the driver of a motor vehicle on it; or Is lighted in a way that makes it dangerous to drive a motor vehicle on any State highway. If the outdoor sign affects adversely the safety of public travel or is dangerously lighted as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Administration may remove the sign as provided in Part VI of this subtitle, after 15 days’ written notice and an opportunity to be heard. Any person whose outdoor sign is ordered removed under this section may appeal to the circuit court for the county in which the sign is located. The appeal shall be heard de novo.

In this part the following words have the meanings indicated. In this definition, “commercial or industrial activity” means any activity generally recognized as commercial or industrial by local zoning authorities in this State, except for the following activities: Outdoor advertising; Agricultural, forestry, ranching, grazing, farming, and related activities, including wayside fresh produce stands; Activities normally or regularly in operation less than 3 months of the year; Transient or temporary activities; Activities conducted in a building principally used as a residence; and Railroad tracks and minor sidings. “Commercial or industrial area” means any area along the side of a highway: That is reserved under a local zoning ordinance or regulation for business, commerce, or trade; That is not zoned and on which there are located one or more permanent structures devoted to a commercial or industrial activity or on which a commercial or industrial activity is conducted, whether or not a permanent structure is located there, including the area that, along or parallel to the edge or pavement of that side of the highway, extends 660 feet from the outer edges of the regularly used buildings, parking lots, or storage or processing areas of the commercial or industrial activity. “Double–faced” means abutting and facing the same direction. “Federal–aid primary highway” means any State highway that is part of the national federal–aid primary system as of June 1, 1991, or any highway on the national highway system, as designated by the Administration and approved by the United States Secretary of Transportation under Title 23 of the United States Code. “Scenic byway” means a transportation corridor designated by the Administration as having special scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological, or natural qualities that have been recognized as such through legislation or some other official declaration.

The General Assembly finds and declares that, except for on premise advertising, outdoor advertising along and adjacent to the federal-aid primary system of highways is a commercial use of these highways that should be regulated to: Prevent unreasonable distraction of the drivers of motor vehicles; Prevent confusion as to traffic lights, signs, controls, or signals, and prevent interference with the effectiveness of traffic regulations; Promote the prosperity, economic well-being, health, safety, morals, order, convenience, and general welfare of this State; Promote the enjoyment of travel on and protection of the public investment in highways in this State; and Preserve and enhance the natural scenic beauty or esthetic features and values of these highways and their adjacent areas. It is a policy of this State that: The erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising along the rights-of-way of the federal-aid primary system of highways in this State should be limited and regulated in accordance with this part and the rules and regulations adopted by the Administration under it; and All outdoor advertising that does not meet the requirements of this part and these rules and regulations is not in the public interest. By enacting this part, the General Assembly intends to provide a statutory basis for the regulation of outdoor advertising consistent with the public policy for areas adjacent to federal-aid primary highways, as declared by the Congress in the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974. This part shall be liberally construed to carry out the legislative policy stated in this section.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, this part regulates the erection and maintenance of an outdoor sign along or near a federal-aid primary highway, only if: The sign is wholly or partly visible from the main traveled way of the highway; and The sign is: 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway; or More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway, and intended to be read from the main traveled way of the highway. Except as provided in §§ 8-734 and 8-735 of this subtitle as to the removal of nonconforming signs, this part does not apply to: An outdoor sign that is 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of a federal-aid primary highway, if the sign was erected on or before July 1, 1968; or An outdoor sign that is more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of a federal-aid primary highway, if the sign was erected on or before July 1, 1975. This part does not apply to on premise outdoor signs.

A person may not use his property or allow his property to be used by any other person for the erection or maintenance of any outdoor sign along or near any federal-aid primary highway, unless: The sign is in a commercial or industrial area; or The sign is: In an urban area; and More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway.

A person may not erect or maintain any outdoor sign along or near any federal-aid primary highway, unless the person has a permit issued by the Administration for that sign. A permit required by this section shall be issued in the same manner and is subject to the same annual permit fee and other requirements and limitations as are provided for a permit issued under Part III of this subtitle.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Administration may not issue a permit for any outdoor sign along or near any federal–aid primary highway, if the sign: Imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device; Is erected or maintained on any tree or painted or drawn on any rock or other natural feature; Is erected or maintained in a way that: Obscures or otherwise interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device; or Obstructs or interferes with a driver’s view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic; Is located within 250 feet of any public park, public forest, playground, or cemetery that is adjacent to a federal–aid primary highway; or Is along or near a scenic byway located on the federal–aid primary highway. This subsection applies only in Calvert County and St. Mary’s County. The Administration may, in conformance with federal law, issue a permit for an outdoor sign along or near a scenic byway located on a federal–aid primary highway if the sign: Was erected on or before January 1, 2008; or Is a directional sign for a facility that: Sells principally local agricultural or aquacultural products; and Is located within a 5–mile radius of the sign. A sign erected under this subsection shall be erected and maintained in a manner that is safe and does not detract from the scenic or cultural character of the scenic byway along which the sign is located.

The size of an outdoor sign along or near a federal-aid primary highway shall conform to the limitations specified in this section. For purposes of this section, the area of a sign shall be measured by any combination of the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, or circle that will encompass the entire sign, including its border and trim but excluding any ornamental base, apron supports, or other structural members. An outdoor sign may not have an area greater than 1,000 square feet, with a maximum height of 25 feet and a maximum length of 50 feet. An outdoor sign structure may contain one or two signs per facing and may be double-faced, back-to-back, or v-type, but the total area of any facing may not exceed 800 square feet. An outdoor sign that exceeds 400 square feet may not be double-faced.

In this section, “centerline” means: The centerline of the main traveled way of a nondivided highway; or A line equidistant from the edges of the median separating the main traveled ways of a divided highway. The location of an outdoor sign structure located between highways entering into or intersecting the main traveled way of any federal-aid primary highway shall conform to the minimum spacing criteria specified in this section, to be applied separately to each side of the federal-aid primary highway. If the distance between the centerlines of intersecting highways is less than 1,000 feet, a maximum of three sign structures, whether double-faced, back-to-back, or v-type, may be permitted between the intersecting highways, and the minimum spacing between the structures shall be 100 feet. If the distance between the centerlines of intersecting highways is 1,000 feet or more, the minimum spacing between sign structures, whether double-faced, back-to-back, or v-type, shall be 300 feet. For purposes of this subsection, the following rules apply. Alleys, undeveloped rights-of-way, private roads, and driveways may not be regarded as intersecting highways. Only highways that enter directly into the main traveled way of the federal-aid primary highway may be regarded as intersecting. Official and “on premise” signs, as defined in Title 23, § 131(c) of the United States Code, may not be counted, and measurements may not be made from them for purposes of determining compliance with the spacing requirements. The minimum distance between signs shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the signs. The minimum spacing criteria specified in this section do not apply to sign structures separated by a building or other obstruction so that only one sign structure is visible from any one place on the main traveled way.

Except as otherwise provided by law, an outdoor sign along or near a federal-aid primary highway may be lighted, but is subject to the restrictions specified in this section. A sign that includes or is lighted by any flashing, intermittent, or moving light is prohibited, unless that sign is giving public service information such as time, date, temperature, weather, or similar information. A sign that is not effectively shielded so as to prevent its light beams or rays from being directed at any part of the main traveled ways of the federal-aid primary highway is prohibited, if the beams or rays: Are of such intensity or brillance as to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle; or Otherwise interfere with any driver’s operation of a motor vehicle. A sign may not be lighted in any way that obscures or otherwise interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device.

If appropriate matching federal funds are available to this State under the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974, the Administration shall acquire, by purchase, gift, or condemnation, and remove any outdoor sign that, on July 1, 1975, lawfully existed along or near any federal-aid primary highway and that does not comply with this part. In controlling outdoor signs adjacent to federal-aid primary highways under the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965, the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974, and any related agreement between the Administration and the federal government, the Administration is not required to remove any sign that advertises a natural wonder or a scenic or historical attraction, if the sign conforms to national standards for such signs under Title 23 of the United States Code.

The Administration may acquire, by purchase, gift, or condemnation, and remove any outdoor sign: That lawfully existed along or near any federal-aid primary highway on July 1, 1975; That was lawfully erected and, after July 1, 1975, became nonconforming; or That lawfully existed along or near any highway that was made a part of the federal-aid primary system on or after October 22, 1965. The Administration may pay compensation under this section only for: The taking from the owner of the outdoor sign of all interest in the sign; and The taking from the owner of the land on which the outdoor sign is located of the right to erect and maintain outdoor signs at that location. The Administration may not spend funds to control outdoor signs under the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974, until appropriate matching federal funds are available to this State under these acts.

The political subdivisions of this State have full authority, under their respective zoning powers: To zone areas for commercial or industrial purposes; and In these areas, to govern the size, spacing, and lighting of outdoor signs. Notwithstanding any provision of this part or any rule or regulation of the Administration: Local zoning regulations that relate to outdoor signs in commercial or industrial areas shall govern within the zoned area; and If a political subdivision adopts comprehensive zoning that includes the regulation of outdoor signs: The Administration may so certify to the Federal Highway Administrator; and On certification, the control of outdoor signs in commercial or industrial areas transfers to the political subdivision.

A county or municipality may not remove an outdoor sign which is adjacent to a federal-aid primary highway and which was lawfully erected and maintained under State law and in existence or in litigation on or after November 6, 1978 unless just compensation is paid by the Administration. The Administration is not required to spend any funds under this section until appropriate matching federal funds are available to the State. The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any outdoor sign which is not eligible for matching federal funds.

In this part, “expressway” includes an interstate highway.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, this part regulates the erection and maintenance of an outdoor sign along or near an expressway, only if: The sign is 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the expressway; or The sign is: More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the expressway; Wholly or partly visible from the main traveled way of the expressway; and Intended to be read from the main traveled way of the expressway. Except as provided in § 8-743 of this subtitle as to the removal of nonconforming signs, this part does not apply to: An outdoor sign that is 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an expressway, if the sign was erected on or before June 1, 1959; or An outdoor sign that is more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an expressway, if the sign was erected on or before July 1, 1975.

A person that owns property may not use the property or allow the property to be used by any other person for the erection or maintenance of any outdoor sign along or near any expressway, unless the sign is located in an urban area and: Is 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right–of–way of the expressway; Is located in a commercial or industrial zone that is within a locally designated geographic area of signage control that has been adopted as part of comprehensive rezoning regarding signage; and Has received a permit from the Administration in accordance with § 8–744 of this subtitle; or More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right–of–way of the expressway.

This part does not prohibit the erection or maintenance of: Any on premise outdoor sign that complies with § 8-744 of this subtitle; Any outdoor sign used to identify a church or a historical monument or location, if the sign is erected in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Administration; or Any outdoor sign along a highway that is not an expressway, even if the highway runs parallel or partially parallel to an expressway, if the sign faces that highway.

The Administration may acquire, by purchase, gift, or condemnation, and remove any outdoor sign that, on July 1, 1975, lawfully existed along or near any expressway and that does not comply with this part. The Administration may pay compensation under this section only for: The taking from the owner of the outdoor sign of all interest in the sign; and The taking from the owner of the land on which the outdoor sign is located of the right to erect and maintain outdoor signs at that location. The Administration is not required to spend any funds under the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974, until appropriate matching federal funds are available to this State under these acts. Compensation may not be paid for any outdoor sign erected after July 1, 1975, in violation of this part.

On premise outdoor signs are permitted along expressways in accordance with the local zoning laws or ordinances that are in effect in the political subdivision through which the expressway passes, if these local zoning laws or ordinances embrace and regulate outdoor advertising. For any area in which local zoning laws or ordinances are not in effect or for which the local zoning laws or ordinances do not embrace outdoor advertising: The Administration may adopt rules and regulations governing on premise signs along expressways; and If local zoning laws or ordinances embracing outdoor advertising later are adopted, the local zoning prevails. A person may not erect or maintain any outdoor sign along or near any expressway unless the person has a permit issued by the Administration for that sign. There is no fee or bond requirement for a permit issued under this subsection.

A county or municipality may not remove an outdoor sign which is adjacent to an interstate highway and which was lawfully erected and maintained under State law and in existence or in litigation on or after November 6, 1978 unless just compensation is paid by the Administration. The Administration is not required to spend any funds under this section until appropriate matching federal funds are available to the State. The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any outdoor sign which is not eligible for matching federal funds.

Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, before any outdoor advertising license or outdoor sign permit may be issued or renewed under this subtitle to any person who is not a resident of this State, the person shall execute and file with the Administration a bond to this State, with surety approved by the Administration, in the amount of $1,000 and conditioned that the obligor: Will pay to this State all money required to be paid by him under this subtitle; and Will comply with all of the provisions of this subtitle and the rules and regulations adopted under it.

If any outdoor sign is erected or maintained contrary to the provisions of this subtitle, the Administration may remove it after 15 days’ written notice to the person owning or controlling the sign. All signs removed by the Administration under this section become the property of the Administration.

Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.

In this part the following words have the meanings indicated. “Bus passenger shelter” means a shelter located at a designated transit bus stop for the convenience of passengers of a public transportation system owned and operated by a governmental unit, public authority, or transit operator. “Commercial advertising sign” means any sign, display, or device designed, intended, or used to encourage or promote the purchase or use of goods or services.

The Administration may, consistent with Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article, enter into agreements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of bus passenger shelters displaying commercial advertising signs on the rights-of-way of State highways, subject to applicable federal requirements and to any terms and conditions prescribed by the Administration, including the payment of compensation.

Subject to any applicable provisions of this section, a municipal corporation or a county that owns or operates a transit system or in which a transit system operates or a transit operator may enter into an agreement to construct, operate, and maintain bus passenger shelters on a State right-of-way. An agreement under this section may allow commercial advertising signs to be displayed on bus passenger shelters consistent with applicable State, local, and federal law. A municipal corporation shall apply to the Administration for a permit to erect bus passenger shelters on State rights-of-way located within the municipal corporation. A county shall apply to the Administration for a permit to erect bus passenger shelters on State rights-of-way located within the county but not within a municipal corporation. With the concurrence of the municipal corporation, a county shall apply to the Administration for a permit to erect bus passenger shelters on State rights-of-way that are located within a municipal corporation. A transit operator shall apply to the Administration for a permit to erect bus passenger shelters: On State rights-of-way located within a municipal corporation, with the concurrence of the municipal corporation; and On State rights-of-way located within an unincorporated area, with the concurrence of the county. On receipt of an application for a permit to erect a bus passenger shelter, the Administration may issue a permit under § 8-646 of this title after determining that: The location, design, and construction of the bus passenger shelter do not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian safety; and The construction of the bus passenger shelter, including any commercial advertising signs displayed on the bus passenger shelter, conforms with applicable State, local, and federal law. A permit for a bus passenger shelter shall: Include a provision requiring continued compliance with the requirements under paragraph (1) of this subsection; Include a provision that the State is not responsible to any party to an agreement under this section for any costs resulting from enforcement of the permit; and Serve as an agreement with the State as may be required under applicable federal regulation. The Administration may not unreasonably withhold approval of a permit under this subsection to a municipal corporation, county, or transit operator that has complied with the provisions of this section. Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Administration may enter into agreements to construct, operate, and maintain bus passenger shelters at fixed-route bus stops used by the Maryland Transit Administration.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Department” means the Department of Commerce. “Program” means the Tourist Area and Corridor Signage Program. There is a Tourist Area and Corridor Signage Program. The purpose of the Program is to create a system of supplemental guide signs to direct motorists to eligible individual attractions by directing the motorists first to groups of attractions. The Administration, in collaboration with the Department, shall administer the Program. The Administration and the Department shall develop standards and procedures for determining the eligibility of an attraction for a sign. If the Department provides an initial approval of an attraction’s application based on the criteria established under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Department, in coordination with the requesting attraction, shall prepare a signage plan and submit the signage plan to the Administration for review. The Administration shall review the signage plan for compliance with federal, State, and local laws and regulations and right–of–way laws and regulations. In reviewing a signage plan, the Administration may consult with other State agencies and offices. As part of the review required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Administration shall investigate whether there is space available at the proposed site along the State highway for a sign for the attraction. Approval of a signage plan is subject to space availability based on the Administration’s regulations and requirements. If the Administration approves a signage plan and issues a required permit to the attraction, the attraction shall design, fabricate, and install the signs in the signage plan using standards and specifications approved by the Administration. The attraction shall bear all costs for the design, fabrication, and installation of the signs in the signage plan. An attraction that applies for a sign shall pay an amount the Administration considers appropriate for the review of each sign included in the signage plan and the issuance of all required permits. The Administration may charge an attraction a reasonable annual administrative fee to administer and manage the Program for the duration that each sign in the signage plan is installed. An attraction’s sign may be removed by the Administration if the attraction fails to pay the annual administrative fee. The attraction shall be responsible for maintaining, removing, and replacing signs at the direction of the Administration if an existing approved sign is determined to be noncompliant with Program requirements for reasons including damage, fading, or safety concerns. The Administration may remove any attraction sign that does not comply with the requirements of the Program. An attraction whose sign is removed under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph shall resubmit new or replacement signage for review and approval. The Administration may amend the Program if the Administration determines that the Program may result in a sanction by the Federal Highway Administration, including a decrease in federal funds provided to the State for highway use. The Administration shall notify the following legislative committees at least 30 days before amending the Program to avoid a sanction: The Senate Finance Committee; The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee; The House Environment and Transportation Committee; and The House Appropriations Committee. To be eligible for signage, an attraction may not, based on a determination by the Administration and the Department, already be well–signed on a Tourist Area Corridor. An attraction may not bring reputational harm to the State. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a sign developed under the Program may include only the following elements: The name of the attraction; A directional arrow to guide individuals to the attraction; and The approximate mileage to the attraction from the location of the sign. A sign may include a generic symbol used to represent a category of attractions identified by the Department if, on the request of the Department, the Administration determines that there is a generic symbol approved for use in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.