Denver Paid Sick Leave: Accrual & Use Rules

Labor and Employment Colorado 4 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

This guide explains how paid sick leave accrues and may be used under Denver rules and where to find the official requirements. It summarizes employee coverage, accrual rates, carryover and documentation expectations in Denver, Colorado, and shows how employers must track time and how employees can report violations.

Accrual: How Sick Time Is Earned

Under Denver rules, most employees earn paid sick leave based on hours worked. Employers generally must allow accrual on a per-hour-worked basis or provide an equivalent upfront bank each year. Specific accrual rates, eligibility (part-time or temporary workers), and any caps or front-loading options are described on the city guidance page.Paid Sick Leave guidance[1]

Check your employer policy and the city guidance page for the employer's chosen accrual method.

Usage and Documentation

Employees may typically use accrued paid sick leave for their own illness, to care for family members, or for qualifying domestic violence or public health reasons if listed in the ordinance. Employers can require reasonable documentation for absences lasting multiple consecutive days; the ordinance and official guidance describe permissible documentation and notice rules.

  • Accrual basis and caps are set by employer policy within city requirements.
  • Employers may adopt reasonable notice and documentation policies consistent with the ordinance.
  • Recordkeeping requirements direct employers to retain accrual and usage records for a specified period.
Keep written records of accrual and use to avoid disputes.

Recordkeeping & Employer Duties

Employers must provide notice to employees of available paid sick leave, show accruals on paystubs or via accessible records, and preserve records of hours, accruals and use. The city guidance explains required notices and sample employer statements.City guidance[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled through the City of Denver's enforcement office identified in the ordinance and guidance. The city may investigate complaints, require corrective action, and assess penalties where violations are found. The municipal code and the city complaint page provide the formal enforcement pathway.Denver Municipal Code[2] Report a workplace violation[3]

Fine amounts and specific daily or per-violation penalties are not specified on the cited guidance pages and municipal-code landing page; see the municipal code or enforcement office for any numeric penalties or fee schedules (not specified on the cited page). Current details are available from the city pages linked above or the municipal code search; if a specific fine or fee is required it will be listed in the municipal code or the enforcement orders.[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing violations: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary remedies: corrective orders, reinstatement or back pay may be available depending on findings.
File a complaint promptly after an alleged violation to preserve your case.

Applications & Forms

The city provides an online complaint/report form for workplace violations and guidance documents for employers and employees; a dedicated permit or application to vary the paid sick leave requirement is not published on the general guidance pages (see the complaint/report link).[3]

Common Violations

  • Failing to provide any paid sick leave accrual or bank where required.
  • Incorrect accrual calculation or improper caps beyond allowed limits.
  • Failing to post required notices or provide paystub accrual information.
Document all requests and responses related to sick leave to support any complaint.

FAQ

Who is eligible for Denver paid sick leave?
Most employees working in Denver are covered; specific exemptions, thresholds and employer-size rules are detailed on the city guidance page.Paid Sick Leave guidance[1]
How quickly does time accrue?
Accrual rates are described in city guidance and may be hourly or via annual front-loading; check the ordinance text and employer policy for exact rates.
Can my employer require a doctor’s note?
Employers may require reasonable documentation for extended absences consistent with the ordinance; short absences typically do not require medical notes unless specified.
How do I report an employer who denies required sick leave?
Use the city complaint/report form linked in Resources below to submit a complaint to the enforcement office.Report a workplace violation[3]

How-To

  1. Confirm coverage: check the city guidance and your employer policy to confirm you are covered.
  2. Track accruals: verify accruals on paystubs or request records from your employer.
  3. Notify your employer: give required notice for foreseeable leave or follow employer call-in procedures for unexpected illness.
  4. Provide documentation if required for extended absences and keep copies.
  5. File a complaint with the city enforcement office if the employer refuses to comply; include records and dates.

Key Takeaways

  • Employees in Denver earn paid sick leave; check city guidance for accrual and use rules.
  • Employers must keep records and provide notice; employees should keep their own records.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Denver — Paid Sick Leave guidance
  2. [2] Denver Municipal Code (municipal code search)
  3. [3] City of Denver — Report a workplace violation (complaint form)

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