Direct answer: Baltimore City (Baltimore City) requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual 1 hour per 30 hours, max 40 hours/year, paid. This is stricter than Maryland state law.Source: https://www.baltimorecity.gov/; retrieved 2026-09-21.
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 Maryland state law
Provision
Baltimore City
Maryland State
Employer threshold
1 employee
15+ employees (paid); smaller (unpaid)
Accrual rate
1 hour per 30 hours
1 hour per 30 hours worked
Max accrual
40 hours/year
40 hours per year
Paid / unpaid
paid
mixed
Local insight
Baltimore City Sick and Safe Leave: city ordinance stricter than state.
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.
Baltimore City may have private right of action / penalties for non-compliance — retain records.
What are the paid sick leave rules in Baltimore City for 2026?
Baltimore City requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual: 1 hour per 30 hours. Max: 40 hours/year. Baltimore City Sick and Safe Leave: city ordinance stricter than state.
How does Baltimore City sick leave differ from Maryland state law?
Lower (or no) employer threshold: 1 employee vs state 15+ employees (paid); smaller (unpaid). This makes the local ordinance stricter than the Maryland statewide standard.
Where can I find the official Baltimore City sick leave ordinance?
The official text is published by the local agency: https://www.baltimorecity.gov/.