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Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Commercial Drone Operations Under FAA Part 107

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Federal rule
FAA Part 107
Wildlife rule
CPW reg 2 CCR 406-0
Pilot certificate
Required for commercial flight
Local control
Property only, not airspace
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Colorado General Assembly

Summary

Commercial drone operations in Colorado are governed almost entirely by FAA Part 107, with limited state additions covering wildlife, critical infrastructure, and privacy that apply uniformly statewide.

(2.5) If a person is alleged to have committed the offense described in subsection (1)(a) or (1)(b) of this section by using or threatening to use an unmanned aircraft system as an obstacle, the offense does not apply if the person who operates the unmanned aircraft system: (a) Obtains permission to operate the unmanned aircraft system from a law enforcement agency or other entity that is coordinating the response of peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical service providers, rescue specialists, or volunteers to an emergency or accident; (b) Continues to communicate with such entity during the operation of the unmanned aircraft system; and (c) Complies immediately with any instructions from the entity concerning the operation of the unmanned aircraft system.

Source: Colorado General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

Federal Part 107 requires a Remote Pilot Certificate, drone registration, daylight or twilight operation with anti-collision lighting, maximum 400 feet altitude, and visual line of sight unless waivered. Colorado supplements federal law: Parks and Wildlife regulations (2 CCR 406-0) bar using drones to scout or take wildlife, C.R.S. 18-8-104 (HB18-1314) makes it an offense to use a drone to obstruct public-safety operations, and harassment and privacy statutes apply to intrusive flights. Federal preemption of airspace prevents municipal flight regulations, though local property restrictions for takeoff and recovery remain valid.

Violations & Penalties

FAA enforcement may impose civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation and suspend or revoke remote pilot certificates. State penalties apply for wildlife, obstruction, harassment, and privacy offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need to fly a drone commercially in Colorado?
Operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Colorado does not issue a separate state commercial drone license but enforces wildlife and surveillance rules.
Can Colorado cities require special commercial drone permits?
Cities cannot regulate airspace because of federal preemption, but they can require permits for commercial takeoff and landing on city-owned property and impose noise rules where lawful.
Are there privacy restrictions for drones in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado law prohibits using drones for surveillance that constitutes harassment or stalking, and traditional privacy torts and trespass claims still apply to intrusive flights.

Sources

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