Denver's Drone Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles drone rules a little differently. In Denver, Colorado, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Event Drone Restrictions

FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibit drones within three nautical miles and below 3,000 feet of Empower Field at Mile High, Coors Field, and Ball Arena during major events. Denver also limits drone use at Civic Center and city festivals.

Key details: Stadium TFR radius: 3 nautical miles. Altitude limit: Below 3,000 feet AGL. Window: One hour before/after. Authority: FAA NOTAM FDC 9/3417.

Violating a stadium TFR brings FAA civil penalties up to $30,000 per flight, possible criminal prosecution, and certificate revocation. Under 49 U.S.C. §46307 willful TFR violation is a federal crime punishable by up to one year in prison.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Denver actively enforces its event drone restrictions requirements.

Airport Proximity Rules

FAA Part 107 controls airspace around Denver International Airport (DEN) and smaller fields like Centennial and Rocky Mountain Metro. Recreational and commercial drone pilots must use LAANC for near-real-time authorization in controlled airspace under 400 feet AGL.

Key details: DEN airspace: Class B. Authorization: FAA LAANC required. Grid ceilings: 0 to 200 feet. Pilot certificate: Part 107 commercial.

Flying without LAANC authorization in DEN Class B airspace is an FAA civil violation up to $27,500 per flight and possible criminal charges up to $250,000 plus three years in federal prison. State reckless endangerment may also apply.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Denver actively enforces its airport proximity rules requirements.

Recreational Drones

Denver Parks and Recreation prohibits drone flights in all Denver parks and open spaces unless specifically authorized. Denver follows FAA regulations for recreational drone use under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (49 USC §44809). Denver International Airport's airspace creates significant restricted zones across eastern Denver.

Key details: Parks: Drones prohibited without authorization. FAA Registration: Required for drones over 0.55 lbs. Altitude Limit: 400 feet AGL. DEN Airspace: LAANC authorization required. Privacy Law: C.R.S. §18-9-118 prohibits drone surveillance.

Flying drones in Denver parks without authorization can result in citations and fines. FAA violations for recreational drone operators can carry civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation. Flying in restricted airspace near DEN without authorization is a federal offense. Colorado state law (C.R.S. §18-9-118) prohibits drone surveillance that invades privacy.

Commercial Drones

Commercial drone operations in Denver require FAA Part 107 certification and must comply with all FAA airspace requirements, particularly around Denver International Airport's Class B airspace. Denver does not require a separate local commercial drone permit but operators must follow park prohibitions and privacy laws.

Key details: Certification: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Airspace: LAANC authorization for DEN Class B. Weight Limit: 55 lbs maximum. Parks: Prohibited without express authorization. Insurance: Liability insurance recommended/required.

Operating commercially without Part 107 certification carries FAA civil penalties up to $27,500. Flying in restricted airspace without authorization can result in certificate suspension and criminal penalties. Violations of Colorado privacy law are misdemeanors. Commercial filming without permits in certain areas may result in local citations.

The Bottom Line

Denver is tougher than many cities when it comes to drone rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Denver, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Denver can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.