reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-721 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part III - Outdoor Signs Along State Highways Generally|Section 8-721 - Information to Appear on Sign

    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:         (1)    The name and mailing address of the person owning or controlling the sign; and        (2)    The number and expiration date of the permit for the sign.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-722 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part III - Outdoor Signs Along State Highways Generally|Section 8-722 - Effect of Part on Signs Existing on June 1, 1931

    (a)    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:        (1)    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        (2)    Is lighted in a way that makes it dangerous to drive a motor vehicle on any State highway.    (b)    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.    (c)    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.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-725 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-725 - Definitions

    (a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    (1)    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:            (i)    Outdoor advertising;            (ii)    Agricultural, forestry, ranching, grazing, farming, and related activities, including wayside fresh produce stands;            (iii)    Activities normally or regularly in operation less than 3 months of the year;            (iv)    Transient or temporary activities;            (v)    Activities conducted in a building principally used as a residence; and            (vi)    Railroad tracks and minor sidings.        (2)    “Commercial or industrial area” means any area along the side of a highway:            (i)    That is reserved under a local zoning ordinance or regulation for business, commerce, or trade;            (ii)    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.    (c)    “Double–faced” means abutting and facing the same direction.    (d)    “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.    (e)    “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.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-726 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-726 - Legislative Policy

    (a)    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:        (1)    Prevent unreasonable distraction of the drivers of motor vehicles;        (2)    Prevent confusion as to traffic lights, signs, controls, or signals, and prevent interference with the effectiveness of traffic regulations;        (3)    Promote the prosperity, economic well-being, health, safety, morals, order, convenience, and general welfare of this State;        (4)    Promote the enjoyment of travel on and protection of the public investment in highways in this State; and        (5)    Preserve and enhance the natural scenic beauty or esthetic features and values of these highways and their adjacent areas.    (b)    (1)    It is a policy of this State that:            (i)    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            (ii)    All outdoor advertising that does not meet the requirements of this part and these rules and regulations is not in the public interest.        (2)    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.    (c)    This part shall be liberally construed to carry out the legislative policy stated in this section.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-727 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-727 - Scope of Part

    (a)    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:        (1)    The sign is wholly or partly visible from the main traveled way of the highway; and        (2)    The sign is:            (i)    660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway; or            (ii)    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.    (b)    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:        (1)    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        (2)    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.    (c)    This part does not apply to on premise outdoor signs.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-728 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-728 - General Prohibition

    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:         (1)    The sign is in a commercial or industrial area; or        (2)    The sign is:            (i)    In an urban area; and            (ii)    More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-729 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-729 - Permit Required

    (a)    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.    (b)    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.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-730 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-730 - Signs for Which Permit May Not Be Issued

    (a)    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:        (1)    Imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device;        (2)    Is erected or maintained on any tree or painted or drawn on any rock or other natural feature;        (3)    Is erected or maintained in a way that:            (i)    Obscures or otherwise interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device; or            (ii)    Obstructs or interferes with a driver’s view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic;        (4)    Is located within 250 feet of any public park, public forest, playground, or cemetery that is adjacent to a federal–aid primary highway; or        (5)    Is along or near a scenic byway located on the federal–aid primary highway.    (b)    (1)    This subsection applies only in Calvert County and St. Mary’s County.        (2)    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:            (i)    Was erected on or before January 1, 2008; or            (ii)    Is a directional sign for a facility that:                1.    Sells principally local agricultural or aquacultural products; and                2.    Is located within a 5–mile radius of the sign.        (3)    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.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-731 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-731 - Size of Signs

    (a)    The size of an outdoor sign along or near a federal-aid primary highway shall conform to the limitations specified in this section.    (b)    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.    (c)    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.    (d)    (1)    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.        (2)    An outdoor sign that exceeds 400 square feet may not be double-faced.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-732 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-732 - Spacing of Signs at Intersections

    (a)    In this section, “centerline” means:        (1)    The centerline of the main traveled way of a nondivided highway; or        (2)    A line equidistant from the edges of the median separating the main traveled ways of a divided highway.    (b)    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.    (c)    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.    (d)    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.    (e)    (1)    For purposes of this subsection, the following rules apply.        (2)    Alleys, undeveloped rights-of-way, private roads, and driveways may not be regarded as intersecting highways.        (3)    Only highways that enter directly into the main traveled way of the federal-aid primary highway may be regarded as intersecting.        (4)    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.        (5)    The minimum distance between signs shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the signs.        (6)    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.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-733 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-733 - Lighting of Signs

    (a)    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.    (b)    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.    (c)    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:        (1)    Are of such intensity or brillance as to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle; or        (2)    Otherwise interfere with any driver’s operation of a motor vehicle.    (d)    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.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-734 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-734 - Mandatory Removal of Preexisting, Nonconforming Signs

    (a)    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.    (b)    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.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-735 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-735 - Permissive Removal of Preexisting, Nonconforming Signs

    (a)    The Administration may acquire, by purchase, gift, or condemnation, and remove any outdoor sign:        (1)    That lawfully existed along or near any federal-aid primary highway on July 1, 1975;        (2)    That was lawfully erected and, after July 1, 1975, became nonconforming; or        (3)    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.    (b)    (1)    The Administration may pay compensation under this section only for:            (i)    The taking from the owner of the outdoor sign of all interest in the sign; and            (ii)    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.        (2)    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.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-736 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-736 - Local Zoning Regulations

    (a)    The political subdivisions of this State have full authority, under their respective zoning powers:        (1)    To zone areas for commercial or industrial purposes; and        (2)    In these areas, to govern the size, spacing, and lighting of outdoor signs.    (b)    Notwithstanding any provision of this part or any rule or regulation of the Administration:        (1)    Local zoning regulations that relate to outdoor signs in commercial or industrial areas shall govern within the zoned area; and        (2)    If a political subdivision adopts comprehensive zoning that includes the regulation of outdoor signs:            (i)    The Administration may so certify to the Federal Highway Administrator; and            (ii)    On certification, the control of outdoor signs in commercial or industrial areas transfers to the political subdivision.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-737 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways|Section 8-737 - Compensation for Removal of Sign Adjacent to Federal-Aid Highway

    (a)    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.    (b)    The Administration is not required to spend any funds under this section until appropriate matching federal funds are available to the State.    (c)    The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any outdoor sign which is not eligible for matching federal funds.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-739 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part V - Outdoor Signs Along Expressways|Section 8-739 - "Expressway" Defined

    In this part, “expressway” includes an interstate highway.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-740 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part V - Outdoor Signs Along Expressways|Section 8-740 - Scope of Part

    (a)    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:        (1)    The sign is 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the expressway; or        (2)    The sign is:            (i)    More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the expressway;            (ii)    Wholly or partly visible from the main traveled way of the expressway; and            (iii)    Intended to be read from the main traveled way of the expressway.    (b)    Except as provided in § 8-743 of this subtitle as to the removal of nonconforming signs, this part does not apply to:        (1)    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        (2)    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.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-741 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part V - Outdoor Signs Along Expressways|Section 8-741 - General Prohibition

    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 expressway, unless the sign is:         (1)    In an urban area; and        (2)    More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the expressway.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-742 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part V - Outdoor Signs Along Expressways|Section 8-742 - Exceptions

    This part does not prohibit the erection or maintenance of:         (1)    Any on premise outdoor sign that complies with § 8-744 of this subtitle;        (2)    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        (3)    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.
MD. Transportation Code Ann. §  8-743 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Transportation|Title 8 - Highways|Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising|Part V - Outdoor Signs Along Expressways|Section 8-743 - Removal of Preexisting, Nonconforming Signs

    (a)    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.    (b)    (1)    The Administration may pay compensation under this section only for:            (i)    The taking from the owner of the outdoor sign of all interest in the sign; and            (ii)    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.        (2)    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.    (c)    Compensation may not be paid for any outdoor sign erected after July 1, 1975, in violation of this part.