The licensing agency shall make or cause to be made by the county, city-county or multicounty health departments such inspections and investigations as it deems necessary. The licensing agency may prescribe by regulation that any licensee or applicant desiring to make specified types of alterations or additions to its facilities or to construct new facilities shall submit plans and specifications therefor, before commencing such alterations, additions or new construction, to the licensing agency for preliminary inspection and approval or recommendations with respect to compliance with the regulations and standards herein authorized. Necessary conferences and consultations may be provided.