Drone Rules in Colorado (2026)
17 rules on the books across Colorado, 11 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Recreational Drones
Local rules for flying drones as a hobby, including where you can fly, altitude limits, and restrictions near parks and public events.
Arvada
Some RestrictionsArvada recreational drone use is governed by FAA rules and local ordinances. Drones under 55 lbs must be registered…
Read full rule →Manitou Springs
Some RestrictionsManitou Springs regulates every hobby drone under Municipal Code Chapter 6.85, banning flights that interfere with…
Read full rule →Thornton
Some RestrictionsThornton does not ban recreational drone flying, but Section 38-358 bans careless or reckless UAS operation that risks…
Read full rule →Commercial Drones
Additional permits and requirements for using drones for business purposes like photography, delivery, or inspections.
Colorado: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsCommercial drone operations in Colorado are governed almost entirely by FAA Part 107, with limited state additions…
Read full rule →Arapahoe County
Heavy RestrictionsCommercial drone operators in Arapahoe County must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. DIA, Centennial Airport…
Read full rule →Arvada
Heavy RestrictionsArvada commercial drone operators must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Additional local permits…
Read full rule →Park Drone Restrictions
Bans on launching, landing, or operating drones in city and county parks, with exceptions for designated model-aircraft fields.
Centennial
Heavy RestrictionsCentennial bans operating remote control or control-line devices, including drones, in the air or on the ground at…
Read full rule →Thornton
Heavy RestrictionsThornton bans launching or landing unmanned aircraft systems in any city park, parkway, open space, trail, or…
Read full rule →Westminster
Heavy RestrictionsWestminster bans flying drones in any city park unless it is a city staff member or licensed city contractor operating…
Read full rule →Adams County
Significant RestrictionsAdams County requires a POSCA Department Director permit before anyone can take off or land a drone on county park…
Read full rule →Boulder County
Significant RestrictionsTaking off, landing, or operating a drone anywhere on Boulder County Parks & Open Space land is illegal without the…
Read full rule →Greeley
Significant RestrictionsGreeley prohibits flying a drone within, into, onto, or over any city-designated natural area or trail unless a federal…
Read full rule →Manitou Springs
Significant RestrictionsLaunching or landing a drone in a Manitou Springs park requires a city permit under Municipal Code Section 6.85.040…
Read full rule →Airport Proximity Rules
No-fly zones near commercial airports, FAA controlled-airspace authorization (LAANC), and additional state/local proximity rules.
Denver
Heavy RestrictionsFAA Part 107 controls airspace around Denver International Airport (DEN) and smaller fields like Centennial and Rocky…
Read full rule →Longmont
Some RestrictionsAnyone flying a drone within five miles of Longmont's Vance Brand Municipal Airport must comply with all applicable…
Read full rule →Event Drone Restrictions
Temporary flight restrictions over stadiums, parades, and major public events, plus the federal sports-stadium TFR rules.
Manitou Springs
Significant RestrictionsManitou Springs only issues a drone launch-and-landing permit for city property when the flight is tied to an…
Read full rule →Adams County
Some RestrictionsThe one drone launch site Adams County allows without a permit, the Riverdale Regional Park drop-in gravel lot, shuts…
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