In November of 2017, Breckenridge Town Council adopted an ordinance (Title 5, Chapter 14) governing the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones. Section 5-14-9 of the ordinance allows the Town Manager to adopt rules and regulations that may be necessary for proper administration of the ordinance. Town Staff has worked with several drone users on a policy that is best suited in ensuring the proper usages of UAS for photo/film permits and recreational use. 

All drone operators must be familiar with the Title 5, Chapter 14 of the Breckenridge Town Code on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, as well as the following FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Rules:

• Fly at or below 400 feet when in uncontrolled airspace (Class G)
• Fly within visual line-of-sight, meaning you as the drone operator use your own eyes and needed contacts or glasses (without binoculars), to ensure you can see your drone at all times.
• Never fly near other aircraft.
• Never fly over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people.
• Never fly near or over emergency response efforts.

Please visit here for more information on the rules and regulations for UAS/Drones in Breckenridge and a map of Town-owned property.

For an interactive map of the Breckenridge area, showing areas where Drones are not allowed and other areas needing permissions from other entities, please check out this map here.

The rules and regulations provide two classes of permits – a single flight permit (one date) and an annual permit – for operators conducting numerous flights over the course of a year. The application requirements for both permits are detailed and include items staff feels are important for ensuring safety and security. Further, the rules and regulations detail standards for issuing or denying a permit, as well as a process for appealing a denial.

The fee for a single permit is $25.00, while the fee for an annual permit is $150.00. Please remember that if you are using a drone for commercial reasons, you will need a business license from the Town. 

Single flight permit application can be downloaded here.

Annual permit application can be downloaded here.

For the ordinance itself, please click here.

Please contact Executive Administration Assistant, Peyton Rogers, at peytonr@townofbreckenridge.com / (970) 547-3166 or the Deputy Town Manager, Scott Reid, at scottr@townofbreckenridge.com / (970) 547-7882 if there are any questions or concerns on the permitting process.