Loveland, CO Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Airspace and drone operations in the United States are federally regulated by the FAA. 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 AGL, away from other aircraft, registering drones over 0.55 lbs with the FAA, displaying a Remote ID, and passing the TRUST safety test. Cities cannot regulate airspace itself but they can regulate the ground - take-off and landing on city-owned property. The City of Loveland exercises this authority through its Parks, Recreation and Open Space rules: city ordinance prohibits the take-off or landing of a drone on any park property without authorization by the Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department, except in areas designated by the Director as 'Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas.' The six currently designated areas are: (1) Barnes Park & Fairgrounds Fields; (2) Centennial Park; (3) Fairgrounds Park; (4) Loveland Sports Park; (5) Mehaffey Park; and (6) North Lake Park. Outside those locations, RC motorized vehicles and drones are not allowed in city parks. Additional Park Rules: flying over people or crowds is prohibited, drones must not fly near nesting birds, and drones may not be used to discharge or drop any payload. Colorado state law also applies: C.R.S. 33-6-124 prohibits using drones for hunting/wildlife scouting; C.R.S. 18-9-117 generally restricts interference with aircraft; and FAA TFRs apply during wildfires (common in Colorado). Federal-rule violations are enforced by the FAA; park-rule violations by Loveland Parks and Code Enforcement. Contact Parks & Recreation at 970-962-2727.