San Francisco, CA Leave Laws
Complete guide to San Francisco's local sick leave ordinance and employer requirements.
Overview
San Francisco was the first city in the US to require paid sick leave. The ordinance is MORE generous than California state law, requiring up to 72 hours for larger employers vs. state's 40 hours.
Key Requirements
Accrual Rate
1 hour per 30 hours worked
Maximum Accrual
Employees can accrue up to 72 hours (small employers) or no cap (20+ employees) of paid sick leave.
Waiting Period
90 days before employees can use accrued time.
Carryover
Yes, up to accrual cap
Covered Uses
Employees in San Francisco can use sick leave for:
- ✓Employee illness or medical care
- ✓Care for family member
- ✓Domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
- ✓Public health emergency closure
Employer Obligations
- •Post required notice in workplace
- •Provide written notice of sick leave rights at hire
- •Track and report sick leave accrual on pay stubs
- •Maintain records for 4 years
- •Cannot retaliate against employees using sick leave
✓ More Generous than State Law
- •SF: 72 hours max for 20+ employees vs. State: 40 hours
- •SF: No cap on accrual for large employers vs. State: 80 hours cap
- •SF: Effective 2007 vs. State: 2015
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Administrative fines up to $500 per violation. Back pay and reinstatement for retaliation.
Quick Reference
- City
- San Francisco, CA
- Population
- 870,000+
- Effective Date
- February 5, 2007
- Employer Threshold
- 1+ employees
Official Resources
State Laws
San Francisco employers must also comply with California state laws.
View California Leave Laws →Calculate Accrual
Use our calculator to determine sick leave accrual for your employees.
Sick Leave Calculator →Simplify San Francisco Leave Compliance
LeavePlan Pro automatically tracks San Francisco's sick leave requirements and ensures your policies stay compliant.