The Marin County Board of Supervisors on April 22 approved moving forward with an option agreement to consider purchase of the commercial building at 30 North San Pedro Road in the city of San Rafael.

Facilities Planning Manager David Spear told the board the two-story building is approximately 24,500 square feet on 1.54 acres. The county currently leases about 17,710 square feet in that building and the owner has approximately 25% vacancy that could accommodate county departments with only minor modifications. The county already owns adjacent properties at 10 and 20 North San Pedro, Spear noted.

Staff negotiated a five-month option term for due diligence at a purchase price of $8,800,000. If due diligence is satisfactory, staff will return to the board to publish a notice of intent and, subsequently, a purchase agreement.

Supervisor Damon Colbert moved to approve proceeding with the option agreement; Supervisor Susan Lukin seconded. The motion carried with a recorded ‘‘Aye’’ from the board.

Why it matters: Purchasing adjacent office space could reduce long-term leasing costs and consolidate county operations near the civic center. The five-month option permits environmental and financial due diligence before a final purchase decision.

What’s next: County staff will conduct due diligence during the option period and return to the board before completing a purchase.