(a) In this section, "visible from the traveled way" means capable of being seen, whether or not legible, without visual aid by an individual with normal visual acuity. (b) This section does not apply to: (1) outdoor advertising signs promoting a business or other activity conducted on the same property as the sign; (2) outdoor advertising signs located under the authority of zoning permits in commercial or industrial zones; (3) outdoor advertising signs authorized in districts zoned commercial and industrial by a municipality within the boundaries of the municipality; (4) temporary real estate signs; (5) official directional signs installed by the State Highway Administration or Harford County; (6) signs denoting places of religious worship or a historic monument, provided that the signs are located in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State Highway Administration; and (7) outdoor advertising signs erected before June 1, 1972. (c) In Harford County, a person may not lease, rent, use, or permit the use of property for the purpose of erecting an outdoor advertising sign adjacent to a State or county highway if the sign is visible from the traveled way of the highway. (d) This section may not be construed to permit the erection of an outdoor advertising sign in Harford County that is otherwise prohibited by State or local law or by local zoning ordinance. (e) (1) The State Highway Administration or Harford County may acquire by purchase, gift, or condemnation outdoor advertising signs that are visible from the traveled way of State or county highways if the outdoor advertising signs were erected before June 1, 1972. (2) (i) The State Highway Administration or Harford County shall pay just compensation for the removal of an outdoor advertising sign under this section. (ii) Compensation may not be paid for any outdoor advertising signs erected after June 1, 1972. (iii) Compensation may be paid only for the following: 1. taking from the owner of the sign all right, title, leasehold, and interest in the sign; and 2. taking from the owner of the property on which the sign is located the right to erect and maintain the sign on the property.
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