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Vendor requirements at Oakland County International Airport

Waterford, MI. PTK. Sponsor: Oakland County (Oakland County Airports, Airport Manager and Airport Committee)

Oakland County requires a signed Permit with the County before any paid or aeronautical activity, and the Minimum Standards say independent operators based off the airport are not permitted and through-the-fence work is not allowed. In practice a vendor either holds its own County Permit with leased space or works as a SASO sublicensed by an FBO with the Airport Manager's written approval. Expect $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate general liability, $1M auto and a $2M umbrella, with the County as additional insured.

Partly published Checked against the published sources Last reviewed

Permit to operate

Permit with the County (SASO permit or sublicense under an FBO Permit), issued by Oakland County, through the Airport Manager.

Fee: No permit or application fee is stated in the Minimum Standards or the 2026 Rates and Charges.

Submit the application with the 24-item checklist in Appendix Two, which includes audited financial statements certified by a CPA. The County reviews applications within 90 days. Non-FBO permits run for the term in the Permit, no longer than 2 years; FBO Permits, including their SASOs, run 5 years. Activities without a Permit need a special permit requested at least 7 days ahead, with a security plan, added insurance and reimbursement of County costs.

Insurance minimums

CoverageMinimumApplies to
General liabilityProducts and completed operations $2M aggregate; personal and advertising injury $1M; damage to premises rented $100K. $1M each occurrence / $2M general aggregate Exhibit B: maintenance, general aviation, storage and similar operators
Auto liabilityWaived if no company, hired or non-owned autos are used. $1M combined single limit each accident Exhibit B operators
Umbrella or excessMust follow form of the primary policies or broader. $2M each occurrence Exhibit B operators
Workers compensation and employer's liability Statutory; employer's liability $500K each accident / $500K disease each employee / $500K disease policy limit Exhibit B operators
Pollution liabilitySupplemental requirement. $1M per claim and aggregate Where cleanup and debris removal are part of the services and personal consumption fuel tanks are present

Endorsements and policy terms

  • County of Oakland and its officers, directors, employees, appointees and commissioners named as additional insured on general liability and auto, where permitted by law and policy form
  • Waiver of subrogation in favor of the County
  • Primary and non-contributory
  • Carriers licensed in Michigan with an A.M. Best rating of A- or better, unless County Risk Management approves otherwise
  • Certificates due at least 10 business days before the County signs the Permit
  • Operator pays all deductibles and self-insured retentions, and must require its own contractors to carry equal coverage

Badging and security

  • Gate cards are issued to people who sign a hangar rental or land lease and an Access Card Agreement. No vendor badge process was found.
  • Access media may not be copied or lent. Lost or stolen cards must be reported at once; replacement fees apply.
  • Three-strikes rule for individuals: written notice and retraining within 15 business days, then a 3-work-day suspension, then loss of access for the rest of the two-year period.

Vehicles and ramp driving

  • AOA entry only for official duties or with Airport Manager approval. Drivers need a valid license.
  • Speed limit 25 mph on the ramp and 15 mph within 50 feet of an aircraft or building.
  • Movement area driving needs a beacon and two-way radio with the tower, or an approved escort.
  • Stay on paved surfaces except designated temporary grass parking. No studded tires or chains on pavement.
  • Fuel trucks park at least 50 feet from aircraft and buildings and 10 feet from other fuel trucks.
  • Vehicle repairs on the airport only for tenant vehicles or those covered by a Permit or Agreement.

Training

  • Annual Ground Operations class for anyone driving on the AOA or taxiing aircraft, with initial training and yearly refreshers. The FBO keeps training records for its employees, tenants and contractors.
  • Fuel handlers may work unsupervised only after an FAA-approved training program; a current roster goes to Airport Operations every quarter.
  • Deicing crews must be trained in spill response before deicing.

Washing and environmental rules

  • Aircraft washing is prohibited on any ramp other than areas designated for washing, and must be done in an aircraft hangar with a drainage system.
  • Nothing may be dumped into storm drains or the sanitary sewer.
  • Follow the airport's NPDES permit and SWPPP.
  • Deicing only at approved locations under an approved plan.

Fees

  • Fuel flowage: $0.08 a gallon avgas and $0.11 a gallon jet fuel, minimum annual fee $25K (2026 Rates and Charges).
  • Car rental concession: greater of $300 a month or 10% of monthly gross receipts.
  • SASOs may not sell fuel. A SASO buying its own fuel must meet conditions including 500,000 gallons a year, with a $25K fine for missing it.
  • Rule violation fines run $100 to $250 (for example $250 for vehicle operating, fueling and environmental violations). Three Strikes fines are $250 for a second violation and $500 for a third. Fines are due within 14 days.

Working under an FBO or tenant

An FBO may sublicense a SASO to provide up to two added activities from the FBO's premises, with the Airport Manager's written approval, and all subleases and sublicenses need that approval. Catering, hotel and ground transportation arrangements are listed as FBO services. The aircraft detailing, painting and upholstery category requires a customer lounge, restrooms and office space, staff on duty and equipment based at the airport, so a mobile detailer will usually need an FBO sublicense.

What we could not confirm

  • The Minimum Standards do not name which insurance exhibit applies to SASOs; Exhibit B ("Commercial Mechanics, General Aviation, Storage, Etc.") is the closest fit.
  • No SASO permit fee or application fee was found.
  • Whether vendors working under an FBO sublicense get gate cards or must be escorted was not found.
  • The rules both allow designated washing areas and require washing in a hangar with a drainage system; confirm whether any outdoor wash area exists.
  • The Minimum Standards text was cut off in Appendix Three; later exhibits were not read.

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