(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.