Cities and towns planning under the Growth Management Act, chapter 36.70A RCW, may within adopted urban growth areas predesignate environments on shorelines located outside of existing city boundaries. Shoreline environment predesignations shall be consistent with the policy of chapters 36.70A and 90.58 RCW and their applicable guidelines and rules.

Such predesignation shall be conducted under a city's or town's authority to plan for growth within adopted urban growth areas.

Cities and towns not planning under the Growth Management Act, chapter 36.70A RCW, may predesignate environments on shorelines located outside their existing incorporated boundaries. Shoreline environment predesignations shall be consistent with the policy of chapter 90.58 RCW and its applicable guidelines and rules.

Environment predesignations shall be approved by the department according to the procedures set forth in this chapter for amendment of a shoreline master program. No additional procedures are required by the department at the time of annexation. The shoreline environment designation for a predesignated shoreline area shall take effect concurrent with annexation.