Colorado Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Colorado maintains a moderate regulatory posture with targeted drone restrictions focused on privacy, emergency response obstruction, state park access, and hunting applications. The state has no preemption law, allowing cities and counties to impose their own restrictions, creating a complex patchwork of rules that varies significantly by jurisdiction.
State Drone Laws
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-8-104Obstruction of Public Safety Operations by Drone
Prohibits using a drone to obstruct or interfere with a peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical service provider, rescue specialist, or volunteer in the lawful performance of their duties. Exception: operators with prior permission from the coordinating emergency entity who maintain communication and follow instructions are exempt.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-7-801Criminal Invasion of Privacy
Makes it unlawful to knowingly observe or photograph another person's intimate parts without consent in a place where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. The statute is technology-agnostic and applies to drone-based surveillance.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 41-1-107Surface Landowner's Interest in Airspace
Recognizes a surface landowner's interest in the airspace above their land, providing a statutory basis for civil trespass claims related to drone overflights paired with conduct a reasonable person would consider intrusive. Federal law controls the airspace itself, but this statute enables civil remedies.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife Regulation #100-c.24Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ban in State Parks
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones on all Colorado state parks and state wildlife areas except at designated model-aircraft fields at Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park.
2 CCR 406-0, Article IV, Section CProhibition on Drone Use for Wildlife Scouting and Hunting
Unlawful to use a drone to search for, scout, or detect wildlife as an aid in hunting or taking of wildlife. Covers pre-hunt scouting where drone information informs subsequent foot-based hunting. Penalties scale by species under the Samson Law framework for trophy poaching.
HB17-1070Study on Drone Use by Public Safety Agencies
Directs the Center of Excellence within the Department of Public Safety to study ways to safely integrate UAS in government public safety operations including emergency response, firefighting, search and rescue, accident reconstruction, and crime scene documentation. Creates pilot program for deployment of UAS teams in fire-hazard regions.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City and County of Denver
cityDenver Parks & Recreation Drone Ban
Prohibits launching or operating drones in any Denver park facility except in areas designated by the DPR Executive Director for drone use or where permits/City contracts authorize the activity.
Restrictions
No recreational drone flights in Denver parks outside 3 designated UAS areas (East Reservoir, Hutchinson Park, Wright Street Park — all Lakewood-operated). Commercial use requires permit.
City of Colorado Springs
cityColorado Springs Parks Drone Restrictions
Requires written consent from Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services for drone operations on city park property. Garden of the Gods Park bans drones outright.
Restrictions
Garden of the Gods: Complete ban except commercial filming permits (weekday windows only: 6–10 AM year-round, 3–5 PM Oct–Apr, 7–9 PM May–Sept). No permits during peak season or raptor breeding. For other parks: Commercial Film Permit required; recreational flights must obtain written approval.
City of Boulder
cityBoulder Open Space & Mountain Parks Drone Restriction
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating any unmanned motorized vehicle on Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) land without special permit.
Restrictions
Recreational use is not approved. Permits granted only for research, search-and-rescue, wildlife management, and other authorized uses. Minimum 6-week application lead time. Folsom Field stadium TFR during home football games extends 3 nautical miles.
Boulder County
countyBoulder County Open Space Drone Permit Requirement
Requires approved UAS permits for all flights on county open space properties.
Restrictions
Permits issued only for scientific research, operational monitoring, or agricultural use on case-by-case basis. Minimum 10 business days advance notice. Liability insurance required.
Aspen Skiing Company (Pitkin County)
cityAspen Ski Resort Drone Ban
Prohibits drones on or over Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass ski areas, including airspace above all four mountains regardless of launch point.
Restrictions
Enforcement includes lift-pass revocation, equipment confiscation, civil liability claims, and FAA referral. ASE (Aspen-Pitkin County Airport) is Class D airspace; recreational operations require ATC notification.
Vail Resorts (multiple properties)
cityVail Resorts Drone Ban
Prohibits drone use on or over any Vail Resorts owned or operated property without express written permission for defined commercial purposes.
Restrictions
Applies to Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Crested Butte. Includes Forest Service land that Vail operates under permit. Recreational, media, and journalist use not approved. Enforcement includes season pass revocation and liability for damages.
Village of Cherry Hills
cityCherry Hills Village Drone Ordinance
Requires all drones to be FAA-registered and prohibits flying over city property including public buildings, parks, trails, and streets.
Restrictions
FAA registration proof required. No flights over city property without written City Manager authorization.
City of Lakewood
cityLakewood Designated UAS Areas and Permit Requirement
Designates three UAS flying areas for recreational use; prohibits takeoff/landing on other city property without permit.
Restrictions
Permitted areas: East Reservoir, Hutchinson Park, Wright Street Park. Bear Creek Lake Park and William F. Hayden Park prohibited except designated areas. Commercial/non-commercial video requires photo/video permit. No fee for permits; 2-day advance notice typical.
Town of Telluride
cityTelluride Drone Permit and Safety Ordinance
Prohibits drone operations over town or private property without written approval from Town Manager. Restricts reckless operation and operation under influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
Restrictions
Prior Town Manager approval required. Dangerous or reckless operation prohibited. Operation while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances prohibited.
City of Fort Collins
cityFort Collins Natural Areas Drone Ban
Prohibits operation of motorized aircraft and motorized vehicles in designated natural areas.
Restrictions
Banned in natural areas designated and posted by the City per Municipal Code Chapter 23, Article IX.
City of Loveland
cityLoveland Designated Park Drone Use
Allows recreational drone use only at six designated parks. All commercial use prohibited on city property.
Restrictions
Permitted parks: Barnes Park and Fairgrounds Fields, Centennial Park, Fairgrounds Park, Loveland Sports Park, Mehaffey Park, North Lake Park. Drones must not disturb nesting birds, discharge/drop payload, or fly over people/crowds.
Town of Windsor
cityWindsor Town Property Drone Ban
Unlawful to operate drones on town-owned parks, trails, recreational facilities, lakes, or open space per Charter Section 10-9-40.
Restrictions
Operational ban on all town-owned property except for emergency operations by town law and code enforcement.
City of Aurora
cityAurora Parks & Recreation Drone Permit Requirement
Prohibits takeoff or landing of drones on any city park or open space property without authorization from the Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space.
Restrictions
Permit required for all drone operations on city property. Designated 'Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas' may exist at specific locations designated by the Director.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstructing emergency responders with drone (CRS § 18-8-104) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to $750 | Up to 120 days | District Attorneys, Colorado State Patrol, Municipal/County Police | Carve-out if operator has prior permission from coordinating emergency entity and maintains communication. Federal TFR violations often stack with this state charge. |
| Criminal invasion of privacy via drone (CRS § 18-7-801) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to $750 | Up to 120 days | District Attorneys, Local Law Enforcement | Covers drone surveillance of intimate areas in places with reasonable expectation of privacy. Civil trespass and intrusion upon seclusion claims also available. |
| Operating drone in Colorado state parks outside designated areas (CPW Reg #100-c.24) | CPW Citation | Variable per CPW | Potential criminal referral | Colorado Parks & Wildlife Officers | Only Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park have designated drone areas. All other CPW land is prohibited. |
| Using drone to scout/detect wildlife for hunting aid (2 CCR 406-0, Art. IV, Sec. C) | CPW Violation (scaled by species) | $70 (small game) to $125,000 (trophy species: elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, lynx) | Potential criminal charges for trophy poaching | Colorado Parks & Wildlife Officers | Penalties under Samson Law framework. Includes pre-hunt scouting. CPW monitors social media for violations. |
| Drone launch/landing/operation in National Park Service units (NPS PM 14-05) | Federal Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service Rangers, US Attorney's Office | Applies to all NPS units in Colorado (Rocky Mountain NP, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, etc.). Special-use permits exist only for science, search-and-rescue, approved filming. |
| Drone operation in active wildfire TFR (14 CFR § 91.137) | Federal Civil & Criminal | Up to $75,000+ civil penalties | Criminal exposure | FAA, US Attorney's Office | Grounds every air-tanker and helitack crew working the fire. State obstruction charge (CRS § 18-8-104) typically stacks on federal violation. |
Obstructing emergency responders with drone (CRS § 18-8-104)
Carve-out if operator has prior permission from coordinating emergency entity and maintains communication. Federal TFR violations often stack with this state charge.
Criminal invasion of privacy via drone (CRS § 18-7-801)
Covers drone surveillance of intimate areas in places with reasonable expectation of privacy. Civil trespass and intrusion upon seclusion claims also available.
Operating drone in Colorado state parks outside designated areas (CPW Reg #100-c.24)
Only Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park have designated drone areas. All other CPW land is prohibited.
Using drone to scout/detect wildlife for hunting aid (2 CCR 406-0, Art. IV, Sec. C)
Penalties under Samson Law framework. Includes pre-hunt scouting. CPW monitors social media for violations.
Drone launch/landing/operation in National Park Service units (NPS PM 14-05)
Applies to all NPS units in Colorado (Rocky Mountain NP, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, etc.). Special-use permits exist only for science, search-and-rescue, approved filming.
Drone operation in active wildfire TFR (14 CFR § 91.137)
Grounds every air-tanker and helitack crew working the fire. State obstruction charge (CRS § 18-8-104) typically stacks on federal violation.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Colorado imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Local Commercial Film Permit (Colorado Springs) — Variable per projectRequired for commercial drone filming in Colorado Springs parks and on city property. Not available for recreational use.
- Boulder County UAS Permit — Variable; varies by project scopePermit fee (if any) for drone operations on Boulder County open space; administered by County Parks & Open Space. Liability insurance mandatory.
Colorado has no separate state drone registration requirement beyond federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years). No state-level commercial drone license, insurance mandate, or drone-specific sales tax.
Colorado does not require state permits. However, local municipalities require permits for operations on city/county property. City of Boulder requires 10+ business day advance notice for county open space. Other cities vary.
Not required by state law, but many commercial clients require $1M liability coverage. Boulder County requires liability insurance for permitted operations on open space.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Colorado pilots flying drones for compensation must obtain FAA Remote Pilot Certificate via Part 107 exam ($175).
Testing centers available in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo. Commercial operations in Colorado are common in real estate, ski resort marketing, construction monitoring, energy inspection, and wildfire assessment.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Free online test required for all recreational drone pilots under 49 USC 44809.
Completion certificate must be carried during recreational flights. Available through FAA-approved test administrators online.
Remote ID Requirement
Mandatory as of March 16, 2024 for all drones flown outdoors under FAA rules.
Drones must broadcast ID, location, and altitude via Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or operation within FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight
400 feet AGL maximum; must maintain VLOS or use certified visual observer. Daylight or civil twilight required unless waiver obtained.
Colorado's high elevation (5,000–10,000 ft MSL) reduces motor efficiency by 10–20% and shortens flight times; density altitude is a practical concern even though not a legal restriction.
Wildfire TFRs (14 CFR § 91.137)
Every active wildfire receives a TFR. Flying into wildfire TFR grounds air-tankers and helitack crews; federal civil and criminal penalties apply.
Colorado experiences large wildfires regularly. Federal TFR violations often stack with state obstruction charge (CRS § 18-8-104) for criminal charges. TFRs change daily during fire season; always check B4UFLY.
Stadium TFRs (14 CFR § 99.7)
3-nautical-mile radius, surface to 3,000 ft AGL, 1 hour before through 1 hour after MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, major motor sports at stadiums seating 30,000+.
In Colorado: Coors Field (Denver), Empower Field at Mile High (Denver NFL), Folsom Field (CU Boulder football), Falcon Stadium (Air Force Academy football), Canvas Stadium (Colorado State football).
National Park Service Drone Ban (NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05)
Blanket prohibition on drone launch, landing, and operation within all NPS units nationwide.
Colorado NPS units include Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Dinosaur National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds, Hovenweep, Yucca House, Bent's Old Fort, Sand Creek Massacre, and Colorado National Monument. Violation is Class B federal misdemeanor (6 months, $5,000). Special-use permits rare; recreational permits functionally never issued.
Colorado's Lack of State Preemption
Colorado has no state preemption law for drone regulation, allowing cities and counties to impose additional restrictions.
SB26-024 (2026) proposed preemption but was postponed indefinitely. Result: 12+ Colorado municipalities have their own drone ordinances. Rules differ significantly between Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Vail, Aspen, and unincorporated areas.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Colorado has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at Denver International Airport (DEN) Class B and Colorado Springs Airport (COS) Class C. Limited availability at smaller towered airports.
Major Airports
DEN — Denver International (Class B, 30+ nm radius)COS — Colorado Springs (Class C)ASE — Aspen-Pitkin County (Class D)EGE — Eagle County Regional (Class D)BJC — Rocky Mountain Metro (Class D)APA — Centennial (Class D)Schriever Space Force Base (Restricted)Peterson Space Force Base (Restricted)United States Air Force Academy (Restricted)
TFR Notice
Permanent stadium TFRs: Coors Field (Denver), Empower Field at Mile High (Denver), Folsom Field (CU Boulder), Falcon Stadium (Air Force Academy), Canvas Stadium (Colorado State University). Wildfire TFRs issued under 14 CFR § 91.137 throughout fire season (June–October). VIP TFRs around Aspen and Vail. Always check B4UFLY before flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Henry Borunda (BumsNDrones) — $270,000 FAA Fine
enforcementFAA issued one of the largest individual drone penalties ever ($270,000) against Henry Borunda of Pueblo, Colorado for 232 documented violations between August 2022 and December 2023. Violations included flying without certification, operating over people, nighttime flights without lights, and harassing homeless individuals. Social media accounts (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) were banned.
Pending Legislation
SB26-024Postponed Indefinitely (2026-02-25)State & Local Unmanned Aircraft Regulation
Would have established state preemption of local drone ordinances and created unified regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft systems across Colorado.
Last action: February 25, 2026
SB26-071Postponed Indefinitely (2026-05-06)Use of Surveillance Technology by Law Enforcement
Would have regulated law enforcement surveillance technologies including drones to protect citizen privacy rights.
Last action: May 6, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder | CU Boulder requires all drone flights on campus to be approved by the Office of Risk Management. The university operates an active UAS research program. Restrictions: Prior written approval from Office of Risk Management required. No flights over Folsom Field or during university events (football games have 3-nm stadium TFR). | Yes | Office of Risk Management — https://www.colorado.edu/risk/ |
| Colorado State University | CSU requires drone operators to register with Environmental Health Services before operating any UAS on campus. Research and academic drone flights follow additional protocols. Restrictions: Registration with EHS mandatory. No flights during sporting events at Canvas Stadium (NCAA football TFR). CSU has a UAS research program for approved academic purposes. | Yes | Environmental Health Services — ehs@colostate.edu, (970) 491-6745 |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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