Direct answer: Boulder (Boulder County) requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual 1 hour per 30 hours, max 48 hours/year, paid. Source: https://bouldercolorado.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 Colorado state law
Provision
Boulder
Colorado State
Employer threshold
1 employee
1 employee
Accrual rate
1 hour per 30 hours
1 hour per 30 hours worked
Max accrual
48 hours/year
48 hours per year
Paid / unpaid
paid
paid
Local insight
Boulder Paid Sick Leave: 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 48 hours/year; honor carryover per local rule.
Post the required notice and keep a written policy citing the local ordinance.
Boulder may have private right of action / penalties for non-compliance — retain records.
What are the paid sick leave rules in Boulder for 2026?
Boulder requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual: 1 hour per 30 hours. Max: 48 hours/year. Boulder Paid Sick Leave: city ordinance.
How does Boulder sick leave differ from Colorado state law?
Boulder ordinance follows the same accrual framework as Colorado state law but may have local administrative details. See the official source for exact text.
Where can I find the official Boulder sick leave ordinance?
The official text is published by the local agency: https://bouldercolorado.gov/.