Colorado Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Colorado maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with state-level restrictions focused on state parks and government integration, combined with numerous municipal ordinances restricting flights over parks and public property. The state does not have comprehensive statewide preemption legislation, leaving local governments to enact their own drone rules within federal FAA constraints. All commercial operations must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations, and recreational pilots must complete TRUST and register drones over 0.55 lbs with the FAA. Recent legislative attempts to address UAS regulation at the state and local level have stalled in the 2026 session.
State Drone Laws
HB 17-1070Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in State and Local Government Functions
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 deploying at least one team of UAS operators to a fire hazard region for training.
Colorado State Parks Regulation Chapter 1, Section 100-c.24Unmanned Aircraft Operations in Colorado State Parks
Makes it unlawful to operate drones in Colorado State Parks except in designated areas. Designated areas for drone usage are at Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park in their model airfields. Some parks, such as Staunton State Park, have offered special use permits to drone pilots in the past, typically for commercial purposes only.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Village of Cherry Hills
cityMunicipal Law - Drone Registration and Flight Restrictions
Requires all drones to be registered with the FAA and follow FAA guidelines. Prohibits drones from flying over city property, including public streets, trails, parks, and public buildings.
Restrictions
No flights over city property, public streets, trails, parks, or public buildings. FAA registration required.
Town of Telluride
cityMunicipal Law - Drone Operation Approval and Safety Requirements
Requires drone users to obtain approval from the town or private property owners before flying over private or city property. Prohibits flying in a manner that endangers wildlife and people, in a reckless manner, or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances.
Restrictions
Prior approval required from town or property owners. Prohibition on flights that endanger wildlife or people, reckless operation, or operation under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances.
City of Denver
cityDenver Department of Parks and Recreation - Drone Flight Restrictions
Bans flying objects, including drones, from operating in any Denver park facilities except in areas designated by the DPR Executive Director. Exceptions may be made for drones flown at permitted events or activities authorized by contract with the City.
Restrictions
Prohibited in all Denver park facilities except designated areas (such as model airplane or helicopter flying areas). Exceptions for permitted events or contracts with City.
City of Aurora
cityParks, Recreation and Open Space Drone Policy
Prohibits the take-off or landing of a drone on any park property or City facility, park, or open space area without authorization from the Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department, except in designated Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas.
Restrictions
No take-off or landing on park property, City facilities, or open space without permit. Exceptions only in Director-designated Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas.
City of Lakewood
cityMunicipal Law - Drone Take-off and Landing Restrictions
Prohibits the take-off or landing of a drone without authorization.
Restrictions
No take-off or landing of drones without authorization.
City of Boulder
cityOpen Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Drone Policy
Prohibits the operation of a drone within any OSMP park or managed property without a special permit.
Restrictions
No drone operations in OSMP parks or managed properties without special permit.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized drone operation in Colorado State Parks | State Park Regulation Violation | Varies by regulation enforcement; consistent with Colorado parks violation schedule | Colorado Parks and Wildlife | Violations of state park regulations; special use permits available for commercial purposes at select parks such as Staunton State Park | |
| Drone flight over city property (Cherry Hills, Denver, Aurora, Lakewood) | Municipal Ordinance Violation | As defined by municipal code | Local law enforcement / City Parks Departments | Specific penalties vary by municipality | |
| Drone operation without approval (Town of Telluride) | Municipal Ordinance Violation | As defined by municipal code | Town of Telluride enforcement | Includes reckless operation and operation under the influence |
Unauthorized drone operation in Colorado State Parks
Violations of state park regulations; special use permits available for commercial purposes at select parks such as Staunton State Park
Drone flight over city property (Cherry Hills, Denver, Aurora, Lakewood)
Specific penalties vary by municipality
Drone operation without approval (Town of Telluride)
Includes reckless operation and operation under the influence
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Colorado does not impose state-level registration requirements for drones. Federal FAA registration is required for recreational drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) at a cost of $5, and all commercial operations must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations, which require a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Special use permits may be required for commercial drone operations in state parks (e.g., Staunton State Park). Local municipalities may require permits or authorization for flights in designated park areas or over city property. Boulder OSMP requires a special permit for all drone operations on managed lands.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
All commercial drone operations in Colorado must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
Commercial pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Operations must maintain visual line of sight, comply with altitude restrictions (max 400 ft AGL above ground or structure), and follow all Part 107 requirements. Waivers are available for certain Part 107 deviations.
Recreational UAS Operations
Recreational drone operators must complete TRUST and follow FAA model aircraft rules
Hobbyist pilots must take and pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. Drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) require $5 FAA registration valid for 3 years. Operators must maintain visual line-of-sight, follow altitude restrictions, and comply with all recreational model aircraft rules under 49 U.S.C. § 44809.
Government Operations
Government employees may operate under Part 107 or obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Police, fire, and other government agencies in Colorado can either follow Part 107 regulations or apply for a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA) for specialized operations. Colorado has an active government drone program through the Department of Public Safety following HB 17-1070.
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID requirements for drone identification and tracking
All UAS operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements (effective September 16, 2023). Drones must broadcast identification and location information unless operating within an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA). This applies to all Colorado operators.
Military Airspace and No-Fly Zones
Colorado has significant military presence creating restricted airspace relevant to drone operators
Colorado hosts Buckley Space Force Base (Aurora), Peterson Space Force Base (Colorado Springs), Fort Carson, Schriever Space Force Base, and the Air Force Academy. Drone operations near these facilities are subject to federal restrictions and potential TFRs. Unauthorized drone operations over military installations may result in federal prosecution.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available in Colorado airspace for Part 107 commercial operators and recreational flyers seeking FAA airspace authorization in controlled airspace near airports. Coverage includes airspace around Denver International, Colorado Springs, and other airports with LAANC-participating facilities.
Major Airports
DEN — Denver International AirportCOS — Colorado Springs AirportGJT — Grand Junction Regional AirportASE — Aspen-Pitkin County AirportMTJ — Montrose Regional AirportDRO — Durango-La Plata County AirportEGE — Eagle County Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common around Denver International Airport, military installations (including Buckley Space Force Base, Fort Carson, and Peterson Space Force Base), sporting events, wildfires, and public gatherings. Pilots should check current TFR status via FAA NOTAM system before all operations.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Federal agencies boost drone violation penalties after detection over Fort McNair
enforcementFederal agencies announced increased enforcement actions and penalties for drone violations, signaling a tougher stance on unauthorized operations. This federal posture is relevant to Colorado operators near military installations such as Buckley Space Force Base, Fort Carson, and Peterson Space Force Base.
Pending Legislation
SB26-024Postponed IndefinitelyState & Local Unmanned Aircraft Regulation
Would have concerned unmanned aircraft systems regulation at state and local levels. The bill was introduced and assigned to the Senate Committee on Local Government & Housing but was postponed indefinitely on 2026-02-25. Had this passed, it could have clarified or established state preemption of local drone ordinances.
Last action: February 25, 2026
SB26-071Lay Over UnamendedUse of Surveillance Technology by Law Enforcement
Concerns the regulation of law enforcement surveillance technologies to protect citizens, which may include drone-based surveillance. Introduced in Senate Judiciary Committee; amendments failed and bill was laid over unamended as of 2026-02-23. Status remains uncertain for remainder of session.
Last action: February 23, 2026
HB26-1237Introduced in SenateTransportation Safety Modifications
Concerns modifications to select statutory provisions to improve transportation safety, which may include UAS-related provisions. Passed the House with amendments and was referred to the Senate on 2026-03-17. Full drone-related content requires further review of bill text.
Last action: March 17, 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 maintains restrictions on flights during university events. Operators must comply with FAA regulations and university safety requirements. Restrictions: Prior approval required from Office of Risk Management. No flights over Folsom Field or during university events. Must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
| Colorado State University | CSU requires drone operators to register with Environmental Health Services (EHS) before operating on campus. Research and academic flights follow additional protocol. EHS maintains a comprehensive Field Safety Manual with guidance on drone operations. Commercial operations require Part 107 certification. Restrictions: Must register with Environmental Health Services prior to any campus operation. No flights during sporting events at Canvas Stadium. Research operations must follow EHS Field Safety Manual protocols. | Yes | Environmental Health Services, EHS@ColoState.edu, (970)-491-6745 |
| University of Denver | The University of Denver requires prior authorization for any drone operations on campus property. Operators must comply with all applicable FAA regulations. The university is located within Denver's urban airspace and additional FAA authorization may be required. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all campus drone operations. Must comply with FAA regulations and any applicable Denver municipal ordinances. Campus is in proximity to controlled airspace near Centennial Airport. | Yes | University of Denver Risk Management |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, located in Golden, CO, requires compliance with FAA regulations for all drone operations on campus. Operators conducting research should coordinate with the Office of Research Administration. The campus is in proximity to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport controlled airspace. Restrictions: Must comply with FAA regulations. Research drone operations should be coordinated with Office of Research Administration. Proximity to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) may require LAANC authorization. | Yes | Office of Research Administration |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | UCCS requires compliance with FAA regulations and campus safety policies for drone operations. The campus is located near Peterson Space Force Base and Colorado Springs Airport, creating significant airspace restrictions. Prior authorization is required for all campus flights. Restrictions: Prior authorization required. Must comply with FAA regulations. Campus location near Peterson Space Force Base and Colorado Springs Airport (KCOS) creates significant airspace constraints requiring LAANC or COA authorization. | Yes | UCCS Environmental Health and Safety |
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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