All plans for the use of existing buildings or for new buildings, parts of buildings, or additions to or alterations in buildings, for any public institution under the supervision of the department or for any state, city, or county charitable institution (other than county hospitals and institutions under the jurisdiction of another state department) or for any privately operated institution which receives state aid for the care or support of its inmates shall, before their adoption, be submitted to the department for suggestions and approval as to the social requirements of the occupants.