TESSA is a modern, cloud-based system that lets you:

• Submit and track permit or license applications
• Upload project documents and revisions
• Schedule inspections and view results
• Pay invoices online
• Receive real-time updates and notifications
• Receive digital copies of your Permits and Licenses
• Access historical records, plans, and permits
• Communicate directly with City staff
• Submit community concerns through CostaMesa311

Anyone needing to conduct land records research or apply, track, or manage a project with the City. This includes residents, contractors, business owners, developers, and more.

The most common uses are applying for a building permit or a business license.

How to Apply for a Building Permit

How to Request an Inspection

TESSA officially launched in Summer 2023.

TESSA can be launched from the homepage of the City website or from CM 311 main menu.

TESSA is available anywhere you have internet access! TESSA is fully web-based and works on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.

You can use TESSA to apply for:

• Building Permits
• Business Licenses
• Land Use and Planning Applications
• Public Works and Fire Department Permits
• More coming soon!

Visit: View Full Application List

If you are unsure about what application you should submit, that is okay. After you click apply in TESSA, you will be asked, “Do you need help getting started?” Click yes, and TESSA will ask you some standard questions about your reason for the visit to help. Once TESSA has collected enough information, it will direct you to one or a group of applications that may be relevant to your visit. Review the brief description of the application, and if it matches, apply. Furthermore, you are always welcome to come into City Hall or contact us at 714-754-5000.

Insta-Permits are fast-tracked permits you can obtain instantly online. They require the applicant to use our City Standard Plans, but once the plans are completed, the application and issuance of the permit takes 20 minutes or less. To find out more about what types of projects have Insta-Permit applications and how they work, visit our webpage on the Insta-Permit Program.

No problem. If your project was already active before the Go-Live date, TESSA has your basic case information; if you need previously submitted or acquired documents, please visit our City Clerk’s Document Archives.

Please make sure you create your TESSA account with the same email you provided during your application submission, log in, and your project should appear under your dashboard. If your email has changed, please contact one of our building technicians at 714-754-5273

Watch How to Create a TESSA Account. You’ll need a valid email address to get started. If you don’t have one, view and need assistance, please feel free to use our How to Create an Email Address guide.

If you have questions or need assistance:
Call us at 714-754-5245
Ask for help with TESSA, and our staff will connect you with the right team member.

• Creating a TESSA Account
• How to Apply for a Building Permit

Here’s what you can do in TESSA:

• Submit and track permits and licenses
• Upload and revise project plans
• Pay fees and view invoices online
• Schedule, confirm inspection window, and meet your inspector for inspections
• View inspection results from all departments in one place
• Receive updates and deadline reminders
• Find public records, historical records, and permits
• Connect with your assigned project contact
• Use CostaMesa311 to report a concern
• Access official project documents