Colorado Drone Laws

Amended by HB18-1314 to expressly cover unmanned aircraft systems. Prohibits using a drone to obstruct a peace officer, firefighter, EMS provider, rescue specialist, or volunteer in the lawful performance of their duties. Exception: authorized coordination with the coordinating emergency entity, maintained communication, and compliance with instructions does not violate this statute.

General criminal statute that applies to drone surveillance. Prohibits knowingly observing or photographing another person's intimate parts without consent in a place where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. The statute is camera-agnostic and applies to drones, phones, and hidden cameras equally.

Statutory recognition of a surface landowner's interest in the airspace above their land. Does not ban overflight under federal law, but provides a statutory basis for civil trespass and intrusion upon seclusion claims when drone overflight is paired with intrusive conduct.

Prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones on all Colorado Parks & Wildlife land, including state parks, state wildlife areas, and state trust lands under CPW administration. Two statewide exceptions: Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park, which maintain designated model-aircraft fields where drone flight is permitted under model-aircraft rules. Special use permits may be available for commercial purposes on a case-by-case basis.

Prohibits using a drone to look for, scout, or detect wildlife as an aid in hunting or taking wildlife. Applies to pre-hunt scouting — flying a drone to locate an elk herd and hunting on foot the next day using that information violates this regulation. Covers any unmanned aircraft or UAS guided remotely.

Requires the Center of Excellence within the Department of Public Safety to conduct a study identifying ways to integrate UAS within local and state government functions including 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 UAS operator team to a fire-hazard region of the state for training and operational use.

Drone Launch and Operation in Parks

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.

Drone Operations Prohibited on Open Space and Mountain Parks Land

Prohibits launching, landing, or operating any unmanned motorized vehicle on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) land. The city accepts drone applications for research, search-and-rescue, and public-safety work only — recreational use is not approved.

Drone Operations Requires Written Consent; Garden of the Gods Restrictions

Requires written consent from Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services for drone use on city property. Garden of the Gods bans drones outright for wildlife and resource protection.

Designated Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas

Prohibits take-off, landing, or operation of drones from or on any City facility, park, or open space area without a permit, except in three designated Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas.

Drone Registration and Flight Restrictions

All drones must be FAA registered. Prohibits flying UAVs over all city property including public buildings, parks, trails, and streets without written City Manager authorization.

Drone Operations Require Town Manager Approval

Prohibits operating UAVs over the town or privately owned properties without prior written approval from the Town Manager. Also prohibits reckless operation, operation endangering people or wildlife, and operation while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances.

Drones Prohibited in Natural Areas

Prohibits operating motorized aircraft and motorized model vehicles in any area designated and posted by the City as a City natural area.

Recreational Drone Use Permitted at Designated Parks Only

Recreational drone use without permit is allowed at six designated park locations. Commercial use of UAS is prohibited on city property.

Park Takeoff and Landing Prohibited Without Authorization

Prohibits the take-off or landing of a drone on any park property without authorization by the Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department.

Recreational Drone Use Restricted in Town Areas and Ski Resorts

Recreational drone use is prohibited in pedestrian areas, town-owned parking structures, Ford Park, and the area surrounding Vail Valley Medical Center Heli-Port. Vail Resorts also prohibits drones on or over Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Crested Butte ski areas.

Drone Operations Prohibited in Parks and Open Space

Prohibited to launch, land, or operate a drone in any City park or open space except for emergency landings by City law and code enforcement officers.

Drone Operations Prohibited on Town Property

Unlawful to operate any remote-controlled airplane or other motorized model device, including model airplanes and drones, in any Town-owned park, trail, recreational facility, lake, or open space.