Direct answer: Denver (Denver County) requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual 1 hour per 30 hours, max 48 hours/year, paid. Source: https://www.denvergov.org/; 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
Denver
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
Denver Earned Sick and Safe Leave: city ordinance aligned with but administered separately from HFWA.
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.
Denver may have private right of action / penalties for non-compliance — retain records.
What are the paid sick leave rules in Denver for 2026?
Denver requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual: 1 hour per 30 hours. Max: 48 hours/year. Denver Earned Sick and Safe Leave: city ordinance aligned with but administered separately from HFWA.
How does Denver sick leave differ from Colorado state law?
Denver 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 Denver sick leave ordinance?
The official text is published by the local agency: https://www.denvergov.org/.