Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Arapahoe County, CO Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Part 107
FAA certificate required
Renewal
24 months online
LAANC
Required near DIA/APA
Remote ID
Mandatory Sept 2023
Buckley SFB
R-2601 restricted

Summary

Commercial drone operators in Arapahoe County must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. DIA, Centennial Airport, and Buckley SFB create complex controlled airspace requiring LAANC. Aurora and Centennial may require business licenses for commercial UAS services. Remote ID mandatory.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Drone pilots operating under Part 107 may fly at night, over people and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule. Airspace authorizations are still required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet. If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Part 107 guidelines. To fly under Part 107 rules, there are 3 main steps. Step 1: Learn the Rules Make sure you understand what is and is not allowed under Part 107 rules. 14 CFR Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems If you are not sure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended operation check our user identification tool. Some operations will require a waiver. Here are the regulations specified in §107.205 that are subject to waiver:

Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft - §107.25 Operation at Night - §107.29(a)(2) and (b) Visual line of sight aircraft operation - §107.31 Visual observer - §107.33

Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems - §107.35

Yielding the right of way - §107.37(a) Operation over human beings - §107.39 Operation in certain airspace - §107.41 Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft - §107.51 Operations Over Moving Vehicles - §107.145

Full Breakdown

Commercial drone operations in Arapahoe County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Operators must pass the aeronautical knowledge test, complete recurrent online training every 24 months, and register each drone. Commercial applications include real estate photography (popular in Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village luxury markets), construction surveys at sites like the Meridian business park, DIA-adjacent development, and infrastructure inspection. Controlled airspace is extensive: DIA Class B covers northern Aurora and unincorporated areas; Centennial Airport Class D covers central county; Buckley Space Force Base (R-2601) restricts portions of central Aurora.

LAANC authorization required for most commercial operations in these zones. Night operations, flights over people, and beyond-visual-line-of-sight require specific FAA Part 107 waivers. Aurora City Code §94-175 and Centennial Municipal Code may impose supplementary restrictions on public land operations. Remote ID compliance required as of September 2023. Commercial operators providing services in Colorado typically also need a state business registration and local municipal business license.

Violations & Fines

Operating commercially without Part 107: FAA fines up to $32,666 per incident. Unauthorized airspace entry at DIA or Buckley: federal criminal penalties (interfering with aircraft, 18 USC §32). Local business license violations: $100 to $1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly commercial drones near DIA?
Only with LAANC authorization or an FAA waiver. DIA's Class B airspace extends widely across northern Arapahoe County. Unauthorized flight can trigger federal prosecution.
Do I need a local business license for drone services?
Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, and Greenwood Village require business licenses for commercial services provided to local customers, in addition to FAA Part 107 certification.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Arapahoe County

All Arapahoe County rules

Compare Arapahoe County to another location·View the Colorado drone rules overview

Get notified when Commercial Drones in Arapahoe County, CO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Commercial Drones in Cities Across Arapahoe County