Colorado Drone Laws

Amended by HB18-1314 to expressly prohibit the use of drones to obstruct peace officers, firefighters, EMS providers, rescue specialists, or volunteers in the lawful performance of their duties. Exception applies if operator obtains prior permission from the coordinating emergency entity, maintains communication, and follows their instructions.

Camera-agnostic statute prohibiting knowingly observing or photographing another person's intimate parts without consent in a place where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to drones used for surveillance.

Recognizes a surface landowner's interest in the airspace above their land, providing statutory basis for civil trespass claims related to drone overflights. Does not ban overflight under federal airspace law but allows civil remedy when overflight is paired with intrusive conduct.

Prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones on all Colorado state parks, state wildlife areas, and state trust lands under CPW administration. Exception: Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park maintain designated model-aircraft fields where drone flight is permitted under model-aircraft rules.

Prohibits using drones to search for, scout, or detect wildlife as an aid in hunting or taking of wildlife. Applies to pre-hunt scouting as well. Covers any remotely guided unmanned aircraft or UAS.

Requires the Center of Excellence within the Department of Public Safety to conduct a study identifying ways to integrate UAS within local and state government functions relating to firefighting, search and rescue, accident reconstruction, crime scene documentation, emergency management, and emergencies involving significant property loss, injury, or death. Creates pilot program deploying UAS teams to fire hazard regions.

Directs every NPS unit superintendent to use 36 CFR § 1.5 authority to prohibit drone launch, landing, and operation within all park boundaries. Applies to all NPS units in Colorado including Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Curecanti, Dinosaur, Florissant Fossil Beds, Hovenweep, Yucca House, Bent's Old Fort, Sand Creek Massacre, and Colorado National Monument.

Denver Parks & Recreation Rules and Regulations — Drone Use

Prohibits launching or operating drones in any Denver park facility unless designated by the DPR Executive Director or permitted by contract. Exceptions available for special events or activities with authorized permits.

Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Drone Policy

Drones restricted in city parks. Garden of the Gods Park bans drones outright. Commercial filming permits available case-by-case on weekdays during defined hours.

City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Drone Use

Prohibits launching, landing, or operating any unmanned motorized vehicle on OSMP land. Permits issued only for research, search-and-rescue, and public-safety work. Recreational use not approved.

Boulder County Open Space Drone Policy

Allows drones only for scientific research, operational monitoring, or agricultural use on case-by-case basis.

Aspen Skiing Company Airspace Policy

Aspen Skiing Company prohibits drones on or over Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass, including airspace above all four ski areas.

Town of Vail Recreational Drone Use Restrictions

Prohibits recreational drone use in pedestrian areas of Vail Village and Lionshead Village, Ford Park, and area surrounding Vail Valley Medical Center Heliport.

Vail Resorts Drone Policy

Vail Resorts prohibits drones on or within any Vail Resorts owned or operated property without express written permission for defined commercial purpose.

City of Lakewood Drone Operations Rules

Prohibits takeoff or landing without permit except in three designated UAS flying areas (East Reservoir, Hutchinson Park, Wright Street Park). Bear Creek Lake Park and William F. Hayden Park off-limits outside designated areas.

Fort Collins Natural Areas Drone Prohibition

Prohibits operation of motorized aircraft or motorized model devices including drones in areas designated and posted by the City as natural areas.

City of Loveland Parks and Recreation Drone Policy

Recreational drone use permitted at six designated parks: Barnes Park/Fairgrounds Fields, Centennial Park, Fairgrounds Park, Loveland Sports Park, Mehaffey Park, North Lake Park. Commercial use prohibited on city property.

Town of Telluride Drone Ordinance

Requires Town Manager written authorization for drone operation on or over town property or private property. Prohibits reckless operation or operations endangering wildlife and people. Prohibits operation while under influence of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances.

Village of Cherry Hills Drone Ordinance

Requires all drones to be registered with the FAA and follow FAA guidelines. Prohibits flying over city property including streets, trails, parks, and buildings.

City of Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space Drone Policy

Prohibits takeoff or landing on any park property without authorization by Parks, Recreation & Open Space Director. Permits available for activities authorized by the Director.

City of Louisville Parks and Recreation Drone Regulations

Prohibits launching, landing, or operating a drone in any city park or open space except for emergency landings by city law and code enforcement officers.

Town of Windsor Drone Operations Prohibition

Prohibits operation of remote-controlled airplanes or motorized model devices including drones in town-owned parks, trails, recreational facilities, lakes, or open space except for Town programming purposes authorized by the Deputy Director.

Manitou Springs Drone Restrictions

City has enacted ordinances limiting drone operations on city property.