Chapter 4.11 — PASADENA LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE
Pasadena Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · Pasadena
4.11.010 - Definitions.¶
The following definitions shall apply throughout this chapter:
A.
"City" means the city of Pasadena and all those employed by the city who are authorized to award a service contractor on behalf of the city, including those city departments which exercise independent control over their expenditure of funds, but excludes the Rose Bowl Operating Company ("RBOC") and the Pasadena Center Operating Company ("PCOC"). The RBOC and PCOC are urged, however to adopt a policy similar to that set forth in this chapter.
B.
"Employee" means any individual employed by a service contractor on or under the authority of one or more service contracts and who expends any of his or her time providing labor or delivering services to the city of Pasadena, including but not limited to: restaurant, food service or banquet employees, janitorial employees, security guards, parking attendants, health care employees, gardeners, waste management employees, and clerical employees; except that "employee" shall not include part-time, seasonal or trainee workers when the city specifies that the employees may be part-time, seasonal or trainee workers.
C.
"Health benefits" means the payment of no less than $1.25 per hour toward the cost of health and medical care insurance for employees and their dependents.
D.
"Person" means any individual, proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, corporation, limited liability company, trust, association, or other entity that may employ individuals or enter into contracts.
E.
"Service contractor" means any person that enters into a contract directly with the city primarily for the furnishing of services or labor to or for the city (as opposed to the purchase of goods, material or other property or the leasing of property), that involves an expenditure in excess of $25,000 and that is to be performed in the city of Pasadena. Government entities which enter into a contract directly with the city shall not be considered service contractors for purposes of this chapter.
(Ord. 6955 § 1, 2003: Ord. 6763 § 4 (part), 1998)
4.11.020 - Payment of minimum compensation to employees.¶
Wages. Service contractors shall pay their employees a wage of no less than eight dollars and twenty cents ($8.20) per hour if health benefits, as defined in this chapter, are paid to the employees, or a wage of no less than nine dollars and sixty-one cents ($9.61) per hour, if no such health benefits are paid. The wages in this section shall be adjusted by the Cost of Living Index set forth in Section 4.11.030.
(Ord. 6955 § 2, 2003: Ord. 6928 § 2, 2003: Ord. 6763 § 4 (part), 1998)
4.11.030 - Annual cost of living adjustment.¶
Beginning January 1, 2004, and every January 1 thereafter, the wage set by Section 4.11.020 shall be adjusted by the change in the Consumer Price Index, for the Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County area, all urban consumers, for the most recent 12 month period.
(Ord. 6928 § 3, 2003)
4.11.040 - Notifying employees of their potential right to the federal earned income credit.¶
Service contractors shall inform employees making less than $12 per hour of their possible right to the federal Earned Income Credit ("EIC") under Section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, 26 U.S.C. Section 32, and shall make available to employees forms informing them about the EIC and forms required to secure advance EIC payments.
(Ord. 6763 § 4 (part), 1998)
4.11.050 - Enforcement.¶
A.
An employee claiming violation of this chapter may bring an action in the appropriate court having jurisdiction against an employer and may be awarded:
For failure to pay minimum wages, the difference during the involved period between the minimum wage required herein and the amount actually paid.
For failure to pay medical benefits, the difference during the involved period between the minimum wage required herein without benefits and such minimum wage with benefits.
B.
The court shall award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to an employee who prevails in any such enforcement action.
C.
Compliance with this chapter shall be required in all service contracts to which it applies, and such service contracts shall provide that violation of this chapter shall entitle the city to terminate the service contract and otherwise pursue legal remedies that may be available.
D.
An employee claiming retaliation for alleging noncompliance with this chapter may report such claimed retaliation to the purchasing administrator of the department of finance, who shall investigate such claim and report the results to the city manager. Service contracts shall expressly prohibit such retaliation.
E.
Notwithstanding any provision of this code or any other ordinance to the contrary, no criminal penalties shall attach for any violation of this chapter.
(Ord. 6763 § 4 (part), 1998)
4.11.060 - Administration.¶
The purchasing administrator of the department of finance shall monitor compliance, including the investigation of claimed violations, and shall promulgate implementing regulations consistent with this chapter. Such regulations shall include, but not be limited to, determination whether particular persons shall be regarded as service contractors, the establishment of reporting requirements on employee compensation and on notification about and usage of the federal earned income credit and establishing and applying definitions, consistent with this chapter for any terms under this chapter. The purchasing administrator shall report on compliance to the city council no less frequently than annually.
During the first, third, and seventh years of this chapter's operation, and every third year thereafter, the purchasing administrator shall conduct or commission an evaluation of this chapter's operation and effects. The evaluation shall specifically address, at least, the following matters: (a) the extent to which the benefits of this chapter are accruing to Pasadena residents; (b) the extent to which service contractors are complying with this chapter; (c) the manner in which this chapter is affecting the workforce composition of service contractors; (d) the manner in which this chapter is affecting productivity and service quality of service contractors; (e) the manner in which the additional labor costs required by this chapter have been distributed among employers, employees and the city. Within one hundred twenty days of the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the purchasing administrator shall develop detailed plans for evaluation, including a determination of what current and future data will be needed for effective evaluation.
(Ord. 6763 § 4 (part), 1998)
4.11.080 - Coexistence with other available relief for specific deprivations of protected rights.¶
This chapter shall not be construed to limit an employee's right to bring legal action for violation of other minimum compensation laws.
(Ord. 6763 § 4 (part), 1998)
4.11.090 - Expenditures covered by this chapter.¶
To the maximum extent permitted by law, this chapter shall apply to the expenditure of funds entirely within the city's control and to other funds, such as federal or state grant funds, where the application of this chapter is consonant with the laws authorizing the city to expend such other funds; except that this chapter shall not apply to service contracts with other governmental entities. As to any grant or similar program, this chapter shall become applicable to the funds authorized by such program if and only if city purchasing administrator has obtained from the funding source either an opinion or other determination indicating such consonance or a judgment of compliance from a court of law or other tribunal, which procurement has been reported by memorandum to the city clerk.
(Ord. 6763 § 4 (part), 1998)
4.11.100 - Chapter applicable to new service contracts.¶
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to, (a) service contracts for which the specifications are issued after the effective date of this chapter or, if no specifications are required, service contracts awarded after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and (b) to the maximum extent permitted by law, service contract amendments awarded after the effective date of said ordinance.
(Ord. 6763 § 4 (part), 1998)
4.11.110 - Supersession by collective bargaining agreement.¶
The provisions of this chapter, or any part thereof, may be waived in a bona fide collective bargaining agreement, but only if the waiver is explicitly set forth in such agreement in clear and unambiguous terms. Unilateral implementation of terms and conditions of employment by either party to a collective bargaining relationship shall not constitute, or be permitted as, a waiver of all or any part of the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 7151 § 1, 2008: Ord. 6763 § 4 (part), 1998)
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- Article I — NAME AND BOUNDARIES
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- Article XI — FRANCHISES
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- Article XIV — WATER AND POWER UTILITY OPERATIONS
- Article XV — THE FIRE AND POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM
- Article XVI — PARK PRESERVATION
- Article XVII — TAXPAYER PROTECTION
- Article XVIII — THE PASADENA FAIR AND EQUITABLE HOUSING CHARTE…
- Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Title 1 — FOOTNOTES
- Chapter 2.05 — CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.10 — CITY COUNCIL VACANCY APPOINTMENT PROCESS
- Chapter 2.20 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.25 — PARKING AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.28 — SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.30 — CITY ATTORNEY'S DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.35 — CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.40 — CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.45 — ADVISORY BODIES GENERALLY
- Chapter 2.47 — ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.48 — ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.55 — CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.60 — COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.65 — COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
- Chapter 2.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.75 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.80 — DESIGN COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.85 — HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.86 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.90 — LIBRARY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.95 — NORTHWEST COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.98 — PARKING METER ZONES ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
- Chapter 2.100 — RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.105 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.110 — RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
- Chapter 2.120 — SENIOR COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.130 — SOUTH LAKE AVENUE PARKING PLACE COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.135 — TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.140 — ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.150 — HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.155 — PASADENA COMMUNITY ACCESS CORPORATION BOARD
- Chapter 2.165 — PASADENA CENTER OPERATING COMPANY BOARD
- Chapter 2.175 — THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING COMPANY
- Chapter 2.250 — RETIREMENT SYSTEM
- Chapter 2.255 — AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY
- Chapter 2.265 — PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPA…
- Chapter 2.266 — PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.267 — LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.268 — HOUSING DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.270 — PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.275 — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.280 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.285 — HUMAN RESOURCES
- Chapter 2.290 — INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.295 — POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.300 — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.302 — RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.303 — TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.305 — WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.350 — ACCEPTANCE OF SURETIES
- Chapter 2.355 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION OF CODE VIOLATIONS
- Chapter 2.360 — EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN CITY EMPLOYMENT
- Chapter 2.365 — CLAIMS BY AND AGAINST THE CITY
- Chapter 2.370 — DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.375 — EMERGENCY AUXILIARY FORCES
- Chapter 2.380 — HOUSING MEDIATION CONTRACTOR
- Chapter 2.385 — PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ARREST PURSUANT TO PENAL…
- Chapter 2.390 — RECORD AND DOCUMENT FEES
- Chapter 2.395 — UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 2.400 — USE AND ACCESS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
- Title 3 — CIVIC EVENTS AND FACILITIES
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II — Permits
- Article III — Use Restrictions
- Article IV — Uses Requiring Permission
- Article V — Refunds—Penalties
- Chapter 3.28 — CIVIL DEFENSE TRAINING CENTER
- Chapter 3.32 — ARROYO SECO PUBLIC LANDS
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II — Natural Preservation Area
- Article III — Brookside Park Area
- Article IV — Rose Bowl Area
- Article V — Brookside Golf Course Area
- Title 3 — FOOTNOTES
▸Title 4 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
Overview- Chapter 4.02 — SALE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 4.04 — DISPOSITION OF SALVAGE AND SCRAP PROPERTY
- Chapter 4.08 — PURCHASING
- Chapter 4.10 — CREDIT AND COLLECTION
- Chapter 4.11 — PASADENA LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 4.12 — CIGARETTE TAX
- Chapter 4.16 — PARK PURCHASE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND
- Chapter 4.17 — RESIDENTIAL IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 4.18 — CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
- Chapter 4.19 — TRAFFIC REDUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMEN…
- Chapter 4.20 — GAS TAX STREET IMPROVEMENT FUND
- Chapter 4.24 — UNDERGROUND UTILITIES SPECIAL ACTIVITY FUND
- Chapter 4.28 — PROPERTY TAXES
- Chapter 4.29 — TRANSFER OF PROPERTY TAX FUNCTIONS
- Chapter 4.32 — CONSTRUCTION TAX
- Chapter 4.36 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX8
- Chapter 4.40 — SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 4.42 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 4.44 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 4.48 — ROSE BOWL ADMISSIONS TAX
- Chapter 4.52 — SEWER USE FEE AND STORM DRAIN CHARGE
- Chapter 4.53 — SEWER FACILITY CHARGE
- Chapter 4.54 — STREET LIGHT AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL TAX
- Chapter 4.56 — UTILITY USERS TAX
- Chapter 4.60 — VEHICLE OFF-STREET PARKING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 4.65 — VEHICLE OFF-STREET PARKING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 4.70 — URBAN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS
- Article 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
- Chapter 4.90 — CITY OF PASADENA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE B…
- Chapter 4.95 — PUBLIC WORKS BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
- Chapter 4.100 — POWER DIVISION GENERAL FUND TRANSFER
- Chapter 4.101 — PASADENA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
- Chapter 4.105 — SALES TAX INCENTIVES
- Chapter 4.106 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION ORDINANCE
- Chapter 4.107 — CITY OF PASADENA SPECIAL TAX FINANCING IMPROVE…
- Chapter 4.108 — SEISMIC AND FIRE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT…
- Chapter 4.109 — LIBRARY SPECIAL TAX
- Title 4 — FOOTNOTES
- Chapter 5.02 — PAYMENT OF A CITY-WIDE MINIMUM WAGE
- Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 5.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 5.10 — LICENSE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.12 — EXEMPTIONS TO TAX
- Chapter 5.16 — FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.20 — ADVERTISEMENTS
- Chapter 5.24 — ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 5.28 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Chapter 5.32 — BILLIARD AND POOL ROOMS
- Chapter 5.33 — BINGO GAMES
- Chapter 5.34 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
- Chapter 5.35 — CONCEALABLE FIREARMS—RETAIL SALES
- Chapter 5.40 — ESCORT BUREAUS
- Chapter 5.44 — FRANCHISE GRANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAYS
- Chapter 5.45 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.48 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.56 — PAWNBROKERS, JUNK AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
- Chapter 5.60 — SALES AND CLOSE-OUTS
- Chapter 5.68 — UNDERGROUND FACILITIES USE
- Chapter 5.72 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
- Chapter 5.74 — LICENSURE OF TOBACCO RETAILERS
- Chapter 5.78 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITY
- Chapter 5.80 — COVID-19 RIGHT OF RECALL
- Chapter 5.82 — COVID-19 WORKER RETENTION ORDINANCE
- Title 5 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 6 — ANIMALS
- Title 6 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 8 — HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Title 8 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
- Chapter 9.20 — GAMING AND GAMBLING
- Chapter 9.24 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC
- Chapter 9.26 — DEFECATION AND URINATION IN PUBLIC
- Chapter 9.28 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
- Chapter 9.36 — NOISE RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 9.37 — LEAF-BLOWING MACHINES
- Chapter 9.40 — BALL GAME BACKSTOPS
- Chapter 9.41 — COMBUSTIBLE BALLOONS
- Chapter 9.42 — FORMATION FLYING
- Chapter 9.43 — FEES FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT RESPONSE TO PROVI…
- Chapter 9.44 — DISTRIBUTION OF UNSOLICITED WRITTEN MATERIAL (R…
- Chapter 9.45 — UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
- Chapter 9.48 — FIRE HYDRANTS
- Chapter 9.52 — TRESPASSING
- Chapter 9.56 — OBSTRUCTING PUBLIC PLACE OR BUSINESS
- Chapter 9.58 — ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT
- Chapter 9.60 — GRAFFITI ABATEMENT ORDINANCE
- Chapter 9.62 — ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS
- Article VI — Consumer Protection
- Chapter 9.68 — CURFEW
- Chapter 9.69 — SEALING OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL
- Chapter 9.70 — SALE AND DISPLAY OF NARCOTIC PARAPHERNALIA
- Chapter 9.75 — TENANT PROTECTION
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- Chapter 9.78 — UNSERIALIZED FIREARMS
- Chapter 9.80 — DISCHARGING
- Chapter 9.84 — HAZARDOUS WEAPONS
- Chapter 9.88 — FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES AND DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 9.89 — ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE INFORM…
- Chapter 9.90 — REPORTING SALES OF UNREGULATED CHEMICALS
- Chapter 9.95 — EVICTION DUE TO ILLEGAL DRUG DEALING ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 9.97 — ELLIS ACT TENANT PROTECTIONS
- Title 9 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
- Title 10 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 12 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
- Title 12 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 13 — UTILITIES AND SEWERS
- Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
- Article II — Design and Construction
- Article III — Maintenance and Operation
- Chapter 13.28 — WATER MAIN ASSESSMENTS5
- Chapter 13.32 — GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED WATERCOURSES
- Title 13 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
- Title 14 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
- Title 16 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 17 — Zoning Code
- Chapter 17.10 — Enactment and Applicability of Zoning Code
- Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions
- Chapter 17.20 — Zoning Map
- Chapter 17.21 — Development and Land Use Approval Requirements
- Chapter 17.22 — Residential Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.24 — Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.26 — Special Purpose Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.28 — Overlay Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.29 — Hillside Overlay Districts
- Chapter 17.30 — Central District Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.31 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2022
- Chapter 17.32 — East Pasadena Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.33 — Fair Oaks-Orange Grove Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.34 — North Lake Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.35 — South Fair Oaks Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.36 — West Gateway Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.37 — Lincoln Avenue Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.38 — Lamanda Park Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.39 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2003
- Chapter 17.40 — General Property Development and Use Standards
- Chapter 17.42 — Inclusionary Housing Requirements
- Chapter 17.43 — Density Bonus, Waivers and Incentives
- Chapter 17.44 — Landscaping
- Chapter 17.46 — Parking and Loading
- Chapter 17.48 — Signs
- Chapter 17.50 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
- Chapter 17.60 — Application Filing and Processing
- Chapter 17.61 — Permit Approval or Disapproval
- Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Sp…
- Chapter 17.62 — Historic Preservation
- Chapter 17.64 — Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extens…
- Chapter 17.66 — Development Agreements
- Chapter 17.68 — Specific Plans
- Chapter 17.70 — Administrative Responsibility
- Chapter 17.71 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
- Chapter 17.72 — Appeals
- Chapter 17.74 — Amendments
- Chapter 17.76 — Public Hearings
- Chapter 17.78 — Enforcement
- Chapter 17.80 — Glossary of Specialized Terms and Land Use Types
- Title 18 — CABLE, VIDEO AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS