Direct answer: Santa Monica (Los Angeles County) requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual 1 hour per 30 hours, max 40 hours/year, paid. Source: https://www.santamonica.gov/; 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
Santa Monica
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
Santa Monica Sick Leave Ordinance: no threshold.
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.
Santa Monica may have private right of action / penalties for non-compliance — retain records.
What are the paid sick leave rules in Santa Monica for 2026?
Santa Monica requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual: 1 hour per 30 hours. Max: 40 hours/year. Santa Monica Sick Leave Ordinance: no threshold.
How does Santa Monica sick leave differ from California state law?
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica sick leave ordinance?
The official text is published by the local agency: https://www.santamonica.gov/.