Direct answer: Pasadena (Los Angeles County) requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual 1 hour per 30 hours, max 40 hours/year, paid. Source: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/; retrieved 2026-08-23.
This page summarizes a local ordinance for general guidance only. It is not legal advice. The controlling language is the official municipal code at the source link below.
Local ordinance vs California state law
Provision
Pasadena
California State
Employer threshold
1 employee
1 employee
Accrual rate
1 hour per 30 hours
1 hour per 30 hours worked
Max accrual
40 hours/year
80 hours accrual cap; 40 hours (5 days) usage cap per year
Paid / unpaid
paid
paid
Local insight
Pasadena Paid Sick Leave Ordinance: independent city ordinance.
Compliance go / no-go
Determine if your workforce meets the local threshold (1 employee).
Accrue at 1 hour per 30 hours (or use a more generous PTO policy that meets/exceeds the local minimum).
Cap accrual at 40 hours/year; honor carryover per local rule.
Post the required notice and keep a written policy citing the local ordinance.
Pasadena may have private right of action / penalties for non-compliance — retain records.
What are the paid sick leave rules in Pasadena for 2026?
Pasadena requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual: 1 hour per 30 hours. Max: 40 hours/year. Pasadena Paid Sick Leave Ordinance: independent city ordinance.
How does Pasadena sick leave differ from California state law?
Pasadena ordinance follows the same accrual framework as California state law but may have local administrative details. See the official source for exact text.
Where can I find the official Pasadena sick leave ordinance?
The official text is published by the local agency: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/.