Longmont, CO Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Airspace and drone operations in the United States are federally regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Commercial operators must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107); purely recreational flyers must comply with the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (49 U.S.C. § 44809), which requires flying within visual line of sight, below 400 feet, away from other aircraft, registering drones over 0.55 lbs, displaying a Remote ID, and passing the TRUST safety test. Cities cannot regulate the airspace itself but they can regulate the ground — specifically take-off and landing on city-owned property. Longmont exercises this authority through its Parks, Recreation and Open Space rules: take-off or landing of a drone on any city park property is prohibited without authorization by the Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department, except in areas the Director has specifically designated as 'Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas.' Park rules are codified under LMC Title 13 (Public Lands) and enforced through Park Rangers and Code Enforcement. Nearby Boulder County Parks & Open Space prohibits drone take-off, landing, or operation on its open-space areas entirely (limited research and agricultural exceptions with permit). For non-park private property within Longmont city limits, federal rules apply and the operator should have permission of the landowner before launching or recovering. Colorado has not preempted local park-property drone rules.