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Adams County, CO Drone Rules: Event Drone Restrictions (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Drop-in site
Riverdale Regional Park gravel lot
Closes during
special/county events, Adams County Fair
Notice given
posted onsite and on county website
During closure
Rule 20(a) permit required instead
Fine
$100 civil infraction

Summary

The one drone launch site Adams County allows without a permit, the Riverdale Regional Park drop-in gravel lot, shuts down whenever that ground hosts a permitted special event, a county-sponsored event, or the Adams County Fair under Rule 20(b)(ii). Flying there during those events reverts to the full Rule 20(a) permit requirement, and the closure is posted on site and on the county website.

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

(b) Drop-In Operation. A location has been designated for drop-in operation on properties managed by Adams County Parks, Open Space and Cultural Arts Department at Riverdale Regional Park on the gravel parking area located directly north of the Adams County Museum on the west side of Park Blvd. i. This area will be available for drop in use during park hours unless otherwise designated. A permit will not be required to take off or land a UAS in this designated area. ii. This area will not be available for use for UAS operation when it is being utilized for permitted special events, county sponsored events, and/or the Adams County Fair. During these events, the area will be posted with appropriate notices, and notifications will be posted on the county website

Full Breakdown

Rule 20(b) of the POSCA Rules and Regulations designates a single no-permit drone launch site: a gravel parking area at Riverdale Regional Park, directly north of the Adams County Museum on the west side of Park Blvd, usable during park hours under 20(b)(i) without needing POSCA Director sign-off. Rule 20(b)(ii) then takes that exception away whenever the same ground is being used for a permitted special event, a county-sponsored event, or the Adams County Fair; the county is required to post appropriate notices at the site and publish notifications on the county website during those closures.

Once the drop-in area is closed, an operator who still wants to fly on Adams County park property falls back to the ordinary Rule 20(a) permit process from the POSCA Department Director, or the Rule 20(c) commercial/photographic permit track through the Parks Administration Office if the flight is for filming or marketing. The blanket endangerment ban in Rule 20(d), prohibiting drone use that may endanger, harass, harm, or injure any person, companion animal, livestock, or wildlife, continues to apply throughout, which matters most precisely when crowds gather for a Fair or special event. § 29-7-101(2)-(3).

Violations & Fines

Launching or landing in the drop-in area during a posted event closure is treated as an unpermitted operation under Rule 20, a civil infraction under C.R.S. § 29-7-101(2) and § 16-2.3-102(1)(a) carrying a $100 fine per violation plus court fees, with Article IV.6 allowing immediate ejection from the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly my drone at Riverdale Regional Park during the Adams County Fair?
No. Rule 20(b)(ii) closes the designated drop-in gravel lot to UAS takeoffs and landings whenever the site is being used for the Adams County Fair or another permitted or county-sponsored event, with notices posted on site and on the county website.
How do I know if the drop-in drone area is closed for an event?
Rule 20(b)(ii) requires the county to post appropriate notices at the drop-in area itself and publish notifications on the county website whenever a scheduled special event, county event, or the Fair takes the site out of drone use.
If the drop-in area is closed, can I fly somewhere else in the park?
Only with a permit. Outside the designated Riverdale drop-in lot, Rule 20(a) requires a takeoff and landing permit from the POSCA Department Director everywhere in the Adams County park system, event or no event.
What's the penalty for flying in the drop-in area during a closure?
It is treated as an unpermitted drone launch under Rule 20, a civil infraction under C.R.S. § 29-7-101(2) carrying a $100 fine per violation plus court fees under C.R.S. § 16-2.3-102(1)(a).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Adams County

All Adams County rules

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