Longmont, CO Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger distance
- within 5 miles of Vance Brand Airport
- Requirement
- comply with all applicable legal requirements
- May require
- airport manager's written permission for protected airspace
- Notice duty
- advance notification to airport manager (§13.39.040.L)
- Fine for violation
- up to $500.00 (§13.39.020.H)
- Enforcement authority
- city manager/airport manager (§13.39.020.A-B)
- Also restricted nearby
- ultralights, banner towing, paragliders (§13.39.040.L)
Summary
Anyone flying a drone within five miles of Longmont's Vance Brand Municipal Airport must comply with all applicable legal requirements, which under Longmont Municipal Code § 13.39.040(L)(6) can include notifying the airport manager and getting written permission before flying a UAV or UAS within protected airspace. The rule sits among a list of restricted airport-area activities requiring advance notice to the airport manager.
L.Restricted activities. Unless otherwise approved by agreement, aircraft operators and owners shall provide advance notification to the airport manager before engaging in any of the following activities and shall conduct these activities in accordance with the specific requirements stipulated by the airport manager:1.The landing upon or taking off of ultralight vehicles to and from unleased property or other areas not designated as airport movement area, unless approved in writing by the airport manager;... 6.Operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within five miles of the airport shall comply with all applicable legal requirements. This may include, but is not limited to, notifying and obtaining written permission from the airport manager to fly UAV or UAS within protected airspace;
Full Breakdown
040(L) lists activities that aircraft operators and owners must give the airport manager advance notice of before engaging in them, and must then conduct in accordance with whatever specific requirements the airport manager sets, unless the activity is otherwise approved by a separate agreement. 040(L)(6), covers operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flying within five miles of Vance Brand Municipal Airport: they must comply with all applicable legal requirements, which the section says may include, without limitation, notifying the airport manager and obtaining the airport manager's written permission before flying within protected airspace.
The five-mile radius mirrors the FAA's standard airport-notification distance rather than creating a separate Longmont-specific boundary, and the code leaves the specific notification and permission procedure to the airport manager rather than spelling out a fixed process in the ordinance itself. 040(L)(1)-(8). 020(F).
Violations & Fines
Flying a UAV or UAS within five miles of Vance Brand Municipal Airport without complying with the airport manager's notification and permission requirements violates § 13.39.040(L)(6) and, like any other violation of chapter 13.39, is punishable in municipal court by a fine of up to $500.00 under § 13.39.020(H). The airport manager may also issue a written notice of violation requiring correction within a specified time, and the city attorney can seek an injunction or other remedy to enforce compliance under § 13.39.020(F) and (J).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone near Longmont's airport?
How do I get permission to fly a drone within five miles of Vance Brand Airport?
What happens if I fly a drone near the airport without notifying anyone?
Does this drone rule apply only to commercial operators?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longmont
Compare Longmont to another location·View the Colorado drone rules overview
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