Denver, Colorado Drone Laws

Overview

Denver 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.

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 and wildlife areas without a permit
• KDEN Class B airspace — LAANC authorization required for most of metro Denver
• KAPA (Centennial) Class D airspace to the south
• KBJC (Rocky Mountain Metro) Class D airspace to the northwest
• Federal 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. State park flying: CPW special use permit required — contact CPW at cpw.state.co.us. LAANC authorization available via DroneZone or approved apps for controlled airspace.

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&pdtocnodeidentifier=AAUAABAADAAB&ecomp=kw_5k&prid=
• https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LawsRegulations.aspx
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Local Ordinances

Denver does not have a comprehensive standalone drone ordinance, but Denver Parks and Recreation prohibits drone operations in city parks without prior written approval. Denver's downtown core falls within KDEN Class B airspace requiring LAANC authorization. The City and County of Denver defers primarily to FAA regulations and Colorado state law.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Denver Parks and Recreation: Drone operations prohibited in all city parks without prior written approval
• City Park, Washington Park, Cheesman Park: Restricted due to high pedestrian density
• Downtown Denver (LoDo, Union Station corridor): Within KDEN Class B — LAANC required
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Drones prohibited — Jefferson County Open Space and concert venue restrictions
• South Platte River Greenway: Restricted near populated corridors
• Private property: C.R.S. § 18-4-504 criminal trespass applies
• No drone use over moving traffic on city streets
• Denver Zoo and Denver Botanic Gardens: Privately prohibited

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Denver Parks and Recreation, (720) 913-1311, denvergov.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

• Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS permit required — contact refuge office)
• Open farmland east of Denver along E-470 corridor (verify property rights and landowner permission)
• Barr Lake State Park area — outside park boundaries only (CPW permit required inside park)
• Plains Conservation Center — contact facility for permission
• Rural areas in Adams and Arapahoe counties east of city (LAANC authorization still required near KDEN)

Areas to Avoid

• Denver International Airport (KDEN) — Class B airspace from surface, LAANC required throughout metro
• Centennial Airport (KAPA) — Class D airspace, surface to 2,900 ft MSL
• Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) — Class D airspace
• Downtown Denver core (LoDo, Capitol Hill, Union Station) — Class B
• All Denver city parks without written Parks and Recreation approval
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre and surrounding Jefferson County Open Space
• Chatfield State Park — CPW permit required
• Cherry Creek State Park — CPW permit required

Weather Considerations

Denver sits at 5,280 ft elevation. Reduced air density cuts drone lift and battery performance by 20–30% compared to sea level. Afternoon convective thunderstorms develop rapidly May through August — plan flights before noon. Hail risk is significant May through July. High winds from the west are common year-round, especially in spring. Check NWS Denver (weather.gov/bou) for convective outlooks and wind advisories.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: September–October (stable air, low wind, clear skies) and late May–early June (pre-storm-season). AVOID: July–August afternoons (daily thunderstorms), January–February (extreme cold reduces battery life significantly). Winter flying possible but expect 30–40% reduced flight times; use hand warmers on batteries.

Compliance Checklist

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