Colorado Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Colorado maintains a mixed regulatory stance toward drone operations. The state prohibits drones in most state parks and imposes strict penalties for obstructing emergency operations and hunting-related drone use. Colorado lacks state preemption law, allowing cities and counties to establish their own drone ordinances, creating a complex patchwork of restrictions especially in the Denver metro area. Federal airspace restrictions around major airports and national parks add additional regulatory layers.
State Drone Laws
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-8-104Obstruction of Public-Safety Operations with Drone
Prohibits using a drone to obstruct or threaten to obstruct a peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical service provider, rescue specialist, or volunteer acting under color of official authority. Exception applies when prior permission is secured from the coordinating emergency entity.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-7-801Criminal Invasion of Privacy
Makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly observe or photograph another person's intimate parts without consent in a place where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to drone surveillance and is camera-agnostic.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 41-1-107Surface Landowner Airspace Rights
Recognizes a surface landowner's interest in the airspace above their land, providing statutory basis for civil trespass claims related to drone overflights paired with intrusive conduct.
2 CCR 406-0, Article IV, Section C (CPW Regulation #100-c.24)Drone Ban in Colorado State Parks and Wildlife Areas
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating any unmanned aircraft system (drone) on all Colorado Parks and Wildlife land, including state parks, state wildlife areas, and state trust lands. Two statewide exceptions: Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park, which maintain designated model-aircraft fields.
2 CCR 406-0, Article IV, Section C (CPW Commission Regulation #004)Prohibition on Drone Use to Scout or Detect Wildlife for Hunting
Prohibits using a drone to look for, scout, or detect wildlife as an aid in hunting or taking of wildlife. Includes pre-hunt scouting. Applies to any unmanned aircraft or UAS guided remotely. CPW actively monitors social media for violations.
House Bill 17-1070Study Drone Use By Public Safety Agencies
Requires the Center of Excellence within the Department of Public Safety to perform a study identifying ways to integrate UAS within local and state government functions relating to firefighting, search and rescue, accident reconstruction, crime scene documentation, emergency management, and emergencies involving significant property loss, injury, or death. Creates a pilot program requiring deployment of at least one team of UAS operators to a fire-hazard region.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City and County of Denver
cityDenver Parks & Recreation Rules and Regulations — Drone Use
Prohibits launching or operating drones, model aircraft, or similar flying objects in any Denver park facility unless the DPR Executive Director has designated the area for that use, a permit has been issued, or a City contract authorizes the activity.
Restrictions
No recreational drone flights in Denver parks outside designated areas. Commercial use requires permit. No designated recreational UAS areas currently published by the City of Denver.
City of Boulder
cityBoulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Drone Policy
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating any unmanned motorized vehicle on OSMP land without a special permit. The city accepts drone applications for research, search-and-rescue, and public-safety work only.
Restrictions
Recreational drone use not approved. Minimum 6-week lead time for permit applications. No flights over Folsom Field (CU Boulder stadium) during home football games per stadium TFR.
Boulder County
countyBoulder County Open Space Drone Policy
Allows drone operations on county open space only for scientific research, operational monitoring, or agricultural use, on a case-by-case basis with an approved permit.
Restrictions
Permit required with minimum 10 business days advance notice. Mandatory liability insurance required. Recreational use prohibited.
City of Colorado Springs
cityColorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Drone Policy
Drone use on city park property requires express written consent and a Commercial Film Permit. Garden of the Gods Park specifically bans all drone operations to protect wildlife and resources.
Restrictions
No recreational permits issued. Commercial filming permits restricted to weekdays: 6:00–10:00 AM year-round, 3:00–5:00 PM October–April, 7:00–9:00 PM May–September. No permits during peak season or raptor breeding season. Contact: (719) 385-5940.
Town of Telluride
cityOrdinance No. 1449 (2017) — Drone Regulation
Prohibits drone operation without prior written authorization from the Town Manager or private property owner consent. Bans reckless operation and operation under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances.
Restrictions
No drone operation over town or private property without approval. Operation must not endanger or harm people, property, or wildlife.
Village of Cherry Hills
cityOrdinance No. 13 (2015) — Drone Registration and Authorization
Requires all drones operating in Cherry Hills to be registered with the FAA (or city can accept federal registration proof). Prohibits flying UAS over all city property without written authorization from the City Manager.
Restrictions
FAA registration or proof of registration required. City Manager written authorization required for all flights. No flights over public buildings, parks, trails, streets, or city property.
City of Lakewood
cityLakewood Community Resources Rules and Regulations — Section 8
Prohibits takeoff, landing, or operation of drones from or on any city facility, park, or open space without a permit, except in three designated UAS flying areas (East Reservoir, Hutchinson Park, Wright Street Park). Bans drones in Bear Creek Lake Park and William F. Hayden Park. Requires photo/video permit for commercial use.
Restrictions
2-day advance notice typically required. Recreational drones allowed only in 3 designated areas. Commercial use requires permit. No drone flights in two specific parks.
City of Aurora
cityAurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space Drone Policy (2019)
Prohibits takeoff or landing of a drone on any park property without authorization by the Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department.
Restrictions
Permit required from Parks Director for takeoff/landing on city property. May have designated UAS flying areas.
City of Fort Collins
cityFort Collins Municipal Code Chapter 23, Article IX — Natural Areas
Prohibits operation of motorized aircraft or other motorized vehicles in any area designated and posted by the City as a city natural area.
Restrictions
No drone operation in designated natural areas.
City of Loveland
cityLoveland Parks and Recreation Department UAS Policy (2021)
Allows recreational drone use only at six designated park locations. Prohibits all commercial drone use on city property.
Restrictions
Recreational flights permitted only at: Barnes Park, Centennial Park, Fairgrounds Park, Loveland Sports Park, Mehaffey Park, North Lake Park. No flights near nesting birds or over people/crowds. Commercial use prohibited. No payload discharge.
Town of Windsor
cityWindsor Charter Section 10-9-40 — Recreational Drone Prohibition
Prohibits operation of remote-controlled aircraft, model airplanes, drones, and other motorized model devices on town-owned parks, trails, recreational facilities, lakes, or open spaces, except as authorized by the Deputy Director for town programming purposes.
Restrictions
Only town-authorized operations permitted. Recreational use prohibited on all town property.
Town of Vail
cityTown Ordinances and Rules — Recreational Drone Use
Prohibits recreational drone use in pedestrian areas and town-owned parking structures of Vail Village and Lionshead Village, Ford Park, and the area surrounding the Vail Valley Medical Center Heli-Port.
Restrictions
Recreational drones banned in specific town areas. No flights near heliport.
City of Louisville
cityLouisville Parks, Recreation, and Open Space — Drone Regulations
Prohibits launch, landing, or operation of drones in any city park or open space, except for emergency landings authorized by city law enforcement or code enforcement officers.
Restrictions
Complete prohibition of recreational and commercial drone operations in city parks and open spaces.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction of public-safety operations with a drone (CRS § 18-8-104) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to $750 | Up to 120 days | Colorado State Patrol, Municipal/County Police, District Attorneys | Exception applies if prior permission secured from coordinating emergency entity. Federal charges may stack when drone enters active wildfire TFR. |
| Criminal invasion of privacy via drone (CRS § 18-7-801) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to $750 | Up to 120 days | Local Law Enforcement, District Attorneys | Applies to drone-based surveillance of intimate body parts or activities where reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Civil liability also possible. |
| Drone launch, landing, or operation on Colorado Parks & Wildlife land (CPW Reg #100-c.24) | Per CPW Citation | Varies by citation | Colorado Parks & Wildlife Officers | Exception for designated model-aircraft fields at Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks. Potential criminal referral for repeat violations. | |
| Drone use for hunting aid or wildlife scouting (2 CCR 406-0, Art. IV, Sec. C) | Per Species | $70 (small game) – $125,000 (trophy species: elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, lynx) | Colorado Parks & Wildlife Officers | Includes pre-hunt scouting. CPW monitors social media for violations. Penalties under Samson Law framework for trophy species. | |
| Drone in National Park Service unit (NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05, 36 CFR § 1.5) | Class B Federal Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service Rangers, U.S. Attorney's Office | Applies to all NPS units in Colorado. Special-use permits rare; recreational permits functionally never issued. |
| Drone in active wildfire TFR (14 CFR § 91.137) | Federal Civil and Criminal | Up to $75,000+ civil penalty | Criminal exposure | Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Attorney's Office | Drone grounds air-tanker and helitack crews. Federal TFR violation stacks with Colorado state obstruction charge (CRS § 18-8-104). |
Obstruction of public-safety operations with a drone (CRS § 18-8-104)
Exception applies if prior permission secured from coordinating emergency entity. Federal charges may stack when drone enters active wildfire TFR.
Criminal invasion of privacy via drone (CRS § 18-7-801)
Applies to drone-based surveillance of intimate body parts or activities where reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Civil liability also possible.
Drone launch, landing, or operation on Colorado Parks & Wildlife land (CPW Reg #100-c.24)
Exception for designated model-aircraft fields at Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks. Potential criminal referral for repeat violations.
Drone use for hunting aid or wildlife scouting (2 CCR 406-0, Art. IV, Sec. C)
Includes pre-hunt scouting. CPW monitors social media for violations. Penalties under Samson Law framework for trophy species.
Drone in National Park Service unit (NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05, 36 CFR § 1.5)
Applies to all NPS units in Colorado. Special-use permits rare; recreational permits functionally never issued.
Drone in active wildfire TFR (14 CFR § 91.137)
Drone grounds air-tanker and helitack crews. Federal TFR violation stacks with Colorado state obstruction charge (CRS § 18-8-104).
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 park/facility permits (City of Denver) — Varies by permitCommercial drone use in Denver parks requires a permit from Denver Parks & Recreation. Recreational use generally not permitted outside designated areas.
- Local park/facility permits (City of Boulder) — Varies by permitSpecial permit required for OSMP property. Minimum 6-week lead time. Liability insurance mandatory.
- Local park/facility permits (Boulder County) — Varies by permitApproved UAS permit (10+ business days notice) with mandatory liability insurance for county open space operations.
- Commercial Film Permit (City of Colorado Springs) — Varies by applicationRequired for commercial drone filming. Garden of the Gods bans recreational permits entirely. Commercial permits restricted to specific weekday hours.
- Photo/Video Permit (City of Lakewood) — No feeRequired for any commercial or non-commercial video/photography on city property. Not required for personal use, news media, or non-disruptive nature/portrait photography.
Colorado does not require separate state-level drone registration. All registered drones over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). No additional state registration program exists. Cherry Hills Village is the only municipality requiring documentation of FAA registration at the city level.
No state-level permit required. Many cities and counties require permits for commercial operations or operations on city/county property (Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Lakewood, Aurora, etc.). Permits are location-specific.
Colorado does not mandate statewide drone insurance. However, Boulder County requires liability insurance for any approved UAS operations on county open space. Many commercial operators carry $1 million in drone liability coverage as market standard.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rule
Governs all commercial drone operations in Colorado
Commercial drone pilots must obtain FAA Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the Part 107 knowledge test ($175 fee). Requires visual line of sight, 400-foot altitude limit, daylight or civil twilight operations (unless waiver obtained). Operators may not fly over people or moving vehicles without meeting specific performance requirements. All Part 107 operations subject to airspace authorization (LAANC) in controlled airspace.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Required for all recreational drone pilots in Colorado
Free online test through FAA-approved administrators. Covers safety and regulatory information. Proof of passage must be carried when flying. Recreational operations fall under 49 USC 44809 exception for limited recreational operations, but must follow safety guidelines of FAA-recognized Community-Based Organizations.
Remote ID
Mandatory since March 16, 2024, for all registered drones
Every drone flown outdoors under FAA rules must broadcast identification, location, and altitude via Standard Remote ID, a broadcast module, or by flying inside a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Drones under 250 grams are exempt from Remote ID if flown recreationally.
Controlled Airspace & LAANC Authorization
Required in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace
Most of metro Denver sits under Denver International's Class B veil. Centennial (APA) and Rocky Mountain Metro (BJC) add Class D layers. Colorado Springs (COS) is Class C. Aspen (ASE) and Eagle County (EGE) are Class D. High elevation (5,280–10,000+ feet MSL) reduces drone performance by 10–20%, shortening flight times and affecting stability.
Stadium TFRs (14 CFR § 99.7)
Prohibits drones within 3-nautical-mile radius, surface to 3,000 ft AGL, one hour before through one hour after events
Applies to MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motorsport events at stadiums seating 30,000+. Colorado stadiums covered: Coors Field (Denver), Empower Field at Mile High (Denver), Folsom Field (CU Boulder), Falcon Stadium (Air Force Academy), Canvas Stadium (CSU Fort Collins).
Wildfire Emergency TFRs (14 CFR § 91.137)
Issued over active wildfires to prevent airspace conflicts with manned fire-suppression aircraft
Every wildfire in Colorado gets a TFR. Flying a drone into an active wildfire TFR grounds all air-tanker and helitack crews and is a federal violation with civil penalties exceeding $75,000 plus criminal exposure. Stacks with Colorado state obstruction charge (CRS § 18-8-104). Must check B4UFLY and FAA UAS Facility Maps before every flight, especially during wildfire season (June–October).
National Park Service Drone Ban (NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05, 36 CFR § 1.5)
Prohibits drone launch, landing, and operation within all NPS unit boundaries in Colorado
Applies to 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 (up to 6 months jail, $5,000 fine). Special-use permits exist for science, search-and-rescue, and approved filming; recreational permits are functionally never issued.
Airspace Rights Over Private Property
Navigable airspace belongs to the federal government; Colorado law allows civil recourse for intrusive use
Federal law does not prohibit transient overflight of private property. However, Colo. Rev. Stat. § 41-1-107 recognizes surface landowners' interest in airspace above their land, and Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-7-801 (criminal invasion of privacy) applies to drone-based camera surveillance. Safe practice: obtain property owner's permission for takeoff/landing, and avoid loitering over neighbors' property, especially windows or private outdoor spaces.
Air Force Academy and Military Restricted Airspace
Extensive restricted airspace along the Front Range
U.S. Air Force Academy, Schriever Space Force Base, and Peterson Space Force Base all have restricted airspace. Colorado Springs area is heavily constrained. Check B4UFLY and UAS Facility Maps for current military airspace designations.
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 (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 airports nationwide, including major Colorado facilities: Denver International (DEN), Colorado Springs (COS), Aspen-Pitkin County (ASE), and Eagle County (EGE). Real-time and 90-day advance authorizations available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Major Airports
DEN — Denver International Airport (Class B)APA — Denver-Centennial Airport (Class D)BJC — Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (Class D)COS — Colorado Springs Airport (Class C)ASE — Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Class D)EGE — Eagle County Regional Airport (Class D)
TFR Notice
Stadium TFRs (3-nautical-mile radius, surface to 3,000 ft AGL, 1 hour before through 1 hour after events): Coors Field (MLB), Empower Field at Mile High (NFL), Folsom Field (CU Boulder NCAA Division I football), Falcon Stadium at Air Force Academy (NCAA Division I football), Canvas Stadium at Colorado State (NCAA Division I football). Wildfire TFRs issued under 14 CFR § 91.137 during active fires; Colorado experiences large wildfires in summer/fall (must check B4UFLY daily during fire season). Presidential and vice-presidential TFRs common around Aspen and Vail during visits.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Issues $270,000 Civil Penalty to Pueblo Drone Operator
enforcementHenry 'Hank' Borunda of Pueblo, Colorado (operator of 'BumsNDrones' social media accounts) received a $270,000 civil penalty for 232 documented regulatory violations between August 2022 and December 2023. Violations included flying without certification, operating over people, nighttime flights without anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles, and flying close enough to individuals that they had to duck. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube accounts banned. One of the largest individual FAA drone penalties ever issued.
Pending Legislation
SB26-024Postponed IndefinitelyState & Local Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rights and Authorities Act
Proposed bill that would have established state preemption of local drone ordinances, preventing cities and counties from regulating takeoff/landing zones on local property. Would have aligned Colorado with Texas and other preemption states. Bill did not pass in the 2026 session.
Last action: February 25, 2026
SB26-071Postponed IndefinitelyUse of Surveillance Technology by Law Enforcement
Proposed bill concerning regulation of law enforcement surveillance technologies to protect citizens. Would have addressed use of drones and other surveillance tools by law enforcement agencies. Did not pass in 2026 session.
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 university property to be approved by the Office of Risk Management. The university has an active UAS research program and coordinates with campus facilities for authorized operations. Restrictions: Prior approval required from Office of Risk Management. No flights over Folsom Field (university football stadium) or during university events. Folsom Field stadium TFR applies 1 hour before through 1 hour after home football games (3-nautical-mile radius, surface to 3,000 ft AGL). | Yes | Office of Risk Management, University of Colorado Boulder |
| Colorado State University | CSU requires drone operators to register with Environmental Health Services before operating on campus. Research and academic drone flights follow additional institutional protocol. EHS maintains safety guidelines for UAS operations on university property. Restrictions: Must register with Environmental Health Services. No flights during sporting events at Canvas Stadium (CU football, NCAA Division I). Campus airspace near the stadium is subject to football game TFRs. | Yes | Environmental Health Services, Colorado State University — (970) 491-6745, EHS@ColoState.edu |
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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