Aurora, Colorado Drone Laws

Overview

Aurora is located in Colorado. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Colorado has specific drone statutes beyond federal Part 107. C.R.S. § 18-7-801 prohibits using a drone to capture images of private individuals without consent. C.R.S. § 18-4-504 establishes criminal trespass by drone over private property. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) prohibits drone use in all state parks and wildlife areas without a permit. Aurora is unique in that Denver International Airport (KDEN) is physically located within Aurora's city limits (Adams County), making KDEN Class B airspace a surface-level restriction across much of the city.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• C.R.S. § 18-7-801: Unlawful to use drone to capture images of private individuals without consent
• C.R.S. § 18-4-504: Criminal trespass by drone — flying over private property without consent
• CPW prohibits drones in all Colorado state parks without a permit
• KDEN Class B airspace begins at the surface over much of Aurora — LAANC required
• Buckley Space Force Base (KBKF) restricted airspace on Aurora's southeast side
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations
• FAA drone registration required for all UAS over 0.55 lbs

Permits & Registration

Commercial operations: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. Recreational: FAA drone registration required for UAS over 0.55 lbs. LAANC authorization required for virtually all of Aurora due to KDEN Class B and KBKF restricted airspace — use DroneZone or approved apps. Aurora parks flying requires written approval from Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space.

Official Statute Links

• https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023A/bills/2023a_1085_enr.pdf
• https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=&pdocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A5PC4-2760-004D-10MC-00000-00
• https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LawsRegulations.aspx
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Local Ordinances

Aurora does not have a standalone comprehensive drone ordinance. Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space prohibits drone operations in city parks and open space without prior approval. Because Denver International Airport is located within Aurora, the FAA's KDEN Class B airspace covers most of the city starting from the surface, making nearly all of Aurora require LAANC authorization. Buckley Space Force Base to the southeast creates additional restricted and prohibited airspace.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space: Drone operations prohibited without prior written approval
• Aurora Reservoir: Drone operations restricted — contact facility for current policy
• Cherry Creek State Park (west Aurora): CPW permit required
• Quincy Reservoir area: Restricted access and flight operations
• Buckley Space Force Base vicinity: MOA and restricted airspace — no unauthorized UAS operations
• All areas under KDEN Class B airspace: LAANC authorization required before flight
• Private property: C.R.S. § 18-4-504 criminal trespass applies
• No drone use over moving vehicle traffic or crowded public events

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space, (303) 739-7160, auroragov.org/parks

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Open plains far east of Aurora along E-470 / Arapahoe County Road corridors (verify landowner permission and check LAANC — still within Class B in some areas)
• Aurora Sports Park open fields — contact Aurora Parks for written approval first
• Rural agricultural land in southeast Arapahoe County beyond Class B boundary (check FAA sectional chart carefully)

Areas to Avoid

• Denver International Airport (KDEN) — physically located in Aurora; Class B airspace from surface across most of the city
• Buckley Space Force Base (KBKF) — military restricted airspace, no UAS without DoD authorization
• Cherry Creek State Park — CPW permit required
• Aurora Reservoir — contact facility before any flight
• All Aurora city parks — written approval required from Aurora Parks
• Lowry Area (former Air Force base) — check current airspace designations
• Highway 225 / I-70 corridor — congested urban airspace near KDEN approach paths

Weather Considerations

Aurora shares Denver's high-altitude continental climate at approximately 5,400 ft elevation. Reduced air density decreases drone performance by 20–30% vs. sea level. Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly May through August. Hail is a significant risk May through July. Persistent west and southwest winds are common. Check NWS Denver (weather.gov/bou) before flying.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: September–October (stable air, reduced storm risk, clear visibility) and late May (before peak storm season). AVOID: July–August afternoons (daily convective storms near KDEN approach corridor), January–February (extreme cold, battery degradation). Note: KDEN operations mean low-altitude commercial aircraft are present 24/7 — always use LAANC.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ Colorado state regulations
• ✓ Aurora local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety