Fees & Penalties
Pay City Contractor Fees and Penalties Online
The Labor & Wage Division collects regulatory fees to support enforcement of the City’s labor and wage laws. Fees apply to certain businesses, contractors, and permit holders, depending on the type of work performed. Use the information below to identify applicable fees and penalties and learn how to submit payment.
View the City's Master Fee Schedule
Fees & Penalty Schedules
Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee
Beginning July 1, 2025, all businesses that have employees working within the geographic boundaries of the City of San Diego will be assessed an annual Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee of $1.47 per employee. This fee supports investigation and enforcement of the City’s Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance. How to pay: Fees are paid upon issuance or renewal of a Business Tax Certificate. More information about this fee.
The following fees are currently in development. This webpage will be updated Spring 2026, following City Council approval.
Traffic Control Worker Labor Standards Enforcement Fee
Permittees employing workers who perform traffic control work subject to the Traffic Control Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance are assessed a Traffic Control Worker Labor Standards Enforcement Fee. This ordinance requires specified minimum wage rates for traffic control workers as a condition of a City traffic control permit. How to Pay: Collected by Development Services Department as part of the permitting process.
Hospitality Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee
Covered hospitality employers, including hotels, event centers, and amusement park subject to the City’s Hospitality Minimum Wage Ordinance, as assessed a Hospitality Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee. The ordinance establishes a phased minimum wage for eligible hospitality workers. How to Pay: Fee are paid annually either through applicable Rental Tax assessments, or directly by OLSE to the covered businesses.
Compliance System Usage Fee
Prime contractors on applicable City contracts and projects are assessed a Compliance System Usage Fee (CSUF). This fee supports the City’s labor compliance monitoring system, including certified payroll review and reporting. How to Pay: OLSE will issue an invoice upon contract execution.
Penalties
Penalties may be assessed for violations of labor and wage laws, including failure to pay required wages or failure to comply with enforcement orders. Penalties are issued following an investigation and official notice from OLSE. For detailed information about the investigation process, visit each individual program webpage or contact us for assistance.
How to Pay
Fees and penalties issued by OLSE may be paid online, by mail, or in person. In-person payments must be made at the Office of the City Treasurer during regular lobby hours. OLSE does not accept payments at its office. All payments should include a reference to the case number or contract number to ensure proper processing.
Pay Online
Pay by Mail
City of San Diego
Attention: OLSE
1200 Third Ave., CCP9-CD
San Diego, CA 92101
Make checks payable to City of San Diego.
Pay In Person
Civic Center Plaza Building
Office of City Treasurer - Cashiers
1200 Third Ave., First Floor Lobby
San Diego, CA 92101
