The department may, upon the filing of an application for a renewal lease, inspect the tidelands or beds of navigable waters, and if the department deems it in the best interests of the state to re-lease the lands, the department shall issue to the applicant a renewal lease for a further period not exceeding thirty years and under the terms and conditions as may be determined by the department. However, in the case of an application for a renewal lease it shall not be necessary for the lands to be inspected and reported upon by the director of fish and wildlife.