City of Costa Mesa
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INSTA-PERMITS ARE HERE!
The City of Costa Mesa is pleased to announce the launch of Insta-Permits! An Insta-Permit is a building permit for certain simple projects with a limited scope of work. To obtain an Insta-Permit, log into TESSA, select Apply for the appropriate type of Insta-Permit, fill in the customizable information in the city’s standard plans, provide additional information if necessary, submit the application, and pay the permit fees. After paying the fee, the Insta-Permit will arrive by email within minutes!
Click on the Insta-Permit name and links to the city standard plans.
A Residential Re-Roof Insta-Permit is a limited permit for the tear-off and replacement, repair of, or overlay of an existing roof for a single-family detached dwelling. This permit is valid for all roofing materials weighing 6 lbs. per square foot or less. Improvements under this permit may include the roofs on any accessory structures within the same parcel as the single-family residential dwelling. The city standard plans for Residential Re-Roof must be used to obtain this permit. No other improvements are allowed with this permit (e.g. any solar work, new skylights, or structural repairs and modifications beyond replacing roof sheathing, etc.). If your scope of work is beyond the description above, please submit an application for a Roofing Permit.
All Insta-Permit applications are to be completed through the Totally Electronic Self Service Application (TESSA). Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit.
- Make sure you know the project information below:
- Project address
- Contact information
- Project valuation, fixture counts, building type, current and proposed uses as applicable
- Owner/builder or contractor information for the appropriate declaration
- Additional documents specific to the application type
- Complete the Residential Re-Roof city standard. Make sure all relevant information is provided. Please note the city standard is a fillable PDF and some information is necessary for the plans to be reviewed in the field by our inspectors. Save as a PDF.
- Log into TESSA and complete the Insta-Permit application process. Note that attachments should be in PDF format. The process will involve the following steps:
- Add the job site address.
- Provide a work description and valuation, if applicable.
- Add contact information (applicant, contractor, property owner, etc.).
- Add project details, including building type, use, and fixtures, and complete the necessary declarations for either owner/builder or contractor.
- Upload all pertinent documents related to your application.
- Provide a digital signature.
- Submit the application.
- After receiving a confirmation email with a permit fee invoice, pay the invoice with TESSA.
After paying the invoice online, the permit will be issued by email to the contact you provided.
A Residential Panel Upgrade Insta-Permit is a limited permit for the changeout, upgrade, or relocation of single-meter main panel serving a single-family dwelling with a dedicated service. The electrical panel MUST be located within a privately owned location. The panel SHALL NOT be visible to the public. This permit is ONLY for a single electrical panel and its associated riser, service-bonding-grounding conductors. The city standard plans for Electrical Panel must be used to obtain this permit. No other improvements are allowed with this permit (e.g. EV Charger, additional lights/outlets/switches, energy storage systems, solar panels, or any other modifications to the premise wiring etc.). If your scope of work is beyond the description above, please submit an Electrical - Residential permit application.
All Insta-Permit applications are to be completed through the Totally Electronic Self Service Application (TESSA). Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit.
- Make sure you know the project information below:
- Project address
- Contact information
- Project valuation, fixture counts, building type, current and proposed uses as applicable
- Owner/builder or contractor information for the appropriate declaration
- Additional documents specific to the application type
- Complete the Residential Panel Upgrade city standard. Make sure all relevant information is provided. Please note the city standard is a fillable PDF and some information is necessary for the plans to be reviewed in the field by our inspectors. Save as a PDF.
- Log into TESSA and complete the Insta-Permit application process. Note that attachments should be in PDF format. The process will involve the following steps:
- Add the job site address.
- Provide a work description and valuation, if applicable.
- Add contact information (applicant, contractor, property owner, etc.).
- Add project details, including building type, use, and fixtures, and complete the necessary declarations for either owner/builder or contractor.
- Upload all pertinent documents related to your application.
- Provide a digital signature.
- Submit the application.
- After receiving a confirmation email with a permit fee invoice, pay the invoice with TESSA.
After paying the invoice online, the permit will be issued by email to the contact you provided.
A Residential EV Charger Insta-Permit is a limited permit for the installation of an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) in a single-family dwelling with a dedicated electrical service. The charger MUST be located within a privately owned location; either in attached garage(s) or on the exterior side/rear façade(s) of the building. The charger SHALL NOT be visible to the public. This permit is ONLY for a single electrical vehicle charger and its associated electrical conduit and wiring. The city standard plans for Residential EV Charger must be used to obtain this permit. No other improvements are allowed with this permit (e.g. electrical panel upgrades, additional outlets, energy storage systems, etc.). If your scope of work is beyond the description above, please submit an application for a Electrical - EV Charger permit or Electrical- Residential permit.
All Insta-Permit applications are to be completed through the Totally Electronic Self Service Application (TESSA). Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit.
Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit with TESSA.
- Make sure you know the project information below:
- Project address
- Contact information
- Project valuation, fixture counts, building type, current and proposed uses as applicable
- Owner/builder or contractor information for the appropriate declaration
- Additional documents specific to the application type
- Complete the Residential EV Charger city standard. Make sure all relevant information is provided. Please note the city standard is a fillable PDF and some information is necessary for the plans to be reviewed in the field by our inspectors. Save as a PDF.
- Log into TESSA and complete the Insta-Permit application process. Note that attachments should be in PDF format. The process will involve the following steps:
- Add the job site address.
- Provide a work description and valuation, if applicable.
- Add contact information (applicant, contractor, property owner, etc.).
- Add project details, including building type, use, and fixtures, and complete the necessary declarations for either owner/builder or contractor.
- Upload all pertinent documents related to your application.
- Provide a digital signature.
- Submit the application.
- After receiving a confirmation email with a permit fee invoice, pay the invoice with TESSA.
After paying the invoice online, the permit will be issued by email to the contact you provided.
A Residential Solar Insta-Permit is a limited permit for the installation of a new, grid-tied, flushed-mounted, residential solar system on the roof of a single-family detached dwelling. This permit is only valid for the solar installation and does not include roofing, energy storage systems (ESS), or main panel upgrades. This application will be initiated on Solar Apps + and then continued through this permit application. The city standard plans for Residential Solar must be used to obtain this permit. If your scope of work is beyond the description above, please submit an application for a Solar (Residential) - New System permit.
All Insta-Permit applications are to be completed through the Totally Electronic Self Service Application (TESSA). Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit.
- Make sure you know the project information below:
- Project address
- Contact information
- Inspection checklist from Solar Apps + saved in PDF
- Project valuation, fixture counts, building type, current and proposed uses
- Unique project ID from Solar Apps +
- Owner/builder or contractor information for the appropriate declaration
- Additional documents specific to the application type
- Complete the Residential Solar city standard Make sure all relevant information is provided. Please note the city standard is a fillable PDF and some information is necessary for the plans to be reviewed in the field by our inspectors. Save as a PDF.
- Log into TESSA and complete the Insta-Permit application process. Note that attachments should be in PDF format. The process will involve the following steps:
- Add the job site address.
- Provide a work description and valuation, if applicable.
- Add contact information (applicant, contractor, property owner, etc.).
- Add project details, including building type, use, and fixtures, and complete the necessary declarations for either owner/builder or contractor.
- Upload all pertinent documents related to your application.
- Provide a digital signature.
- Submit the application.
- After receiving a confirmation email with a permit fee invoice, pay the invoice with TESSA.
After paying the invoice online, the permit will be issued by email to the contact you provided.
A Temporary Power Insta-Permit is a limited permit for the installations of either temporary power pole(s) or generator(s) on a residential, commercial, or industrial site. Temporary power may only be used for construction activities or outdoor events where permanent power is not present or available. This permit may not be used to power permanent structures or installations. Temporary power poles and generators may not be located in the public right of way, cannot block the path of travel, and must not impede vehicular visibility. The city standard plans for Temporary Power must be used to obtain this permit. No other improvements are allowed with this permit. For permanent electrical installations, including backup generators, or if your scope of work is beyond the description above, please submit an electrical permit application.
All Insta-Permit applications are to be completed through the Totally Electronic Self Service Application (TESSA). Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit.
- Make sure you know the project information below:
- Project address
- Contact information
- Project valuation, fixture counts, building type, current and proposed uses as applicable
- Owner/builder or contractor information for the appropriate declaration
- Additional documents specific to the application type
- Complete the Temporary Power city standard. Make sure all relevant information is provided. Please note the city standard is a fillable PDF and some information is necessary for the plans to be reviewed in the field by our inspectors. Save as a PDF.
- Log into TESSA and complete the Insta-Permit application process. Note that attachments should be in PDF format. The process will involve the following steps:
- Add the job site address.
- Provide a work description and valuation, if applicable.
- Add contact information (applicant, contractor, property owner, etc.).
- Add project details, including building type, use, and fixtures, and complete the necessary declarations for either owner/builder or contractor.
- Upload all pertinent documents related to your application.
- Provide a digital signature.
- Submit the application.
- After receiving a confirmation email with a permit fee invoice, pay the invoice with TESSA.
After paying the invoice online, the permit will be issued by email to the contact you provided.
A Residential Water Heater Insta-Permit is a limited permit for the change out/relocation of an existing tanked water heater(s) in a residential dwelling unit. This permit is for tanked water heaters only. The city standard plans for Water Heater Replacement must be used to obtain this permit. The water heater SHALL NOT be visible to the public. No other improvements are allowed with this permit (e.g. repiping, converting to tankless). If your scope of work is beyond the description above, please submit a Plumbing - Residential permit application.
All Insta-Permit applications are to be completed through the Totally Electronic Self Service Application (TESSA). Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit.
- Make sure you know the project information below:
- Project address
- Contact information
- Project valuation, fixture counts, building type, current and proposed uses as applicable
- Owner/builder or contractor information for the appropriate declaration
- Additional documents specific to the application type
- Complete the Residential Water Heater city standard. Make sure all relevant information is provided. Please note the city standard is a fillable PDF and some information is necessary for the plans to be reviewed in the field by our inspectors. Save as a PDF.
- Log into TESSA and complete the Insta-Permit application process. Note that attachments should be in PDF format. The process will involve the following steps:
- Add the job site address.
- Provide a work description and valuation, if applicable.
- Add contact information (applicant, contractor, property owner, etc.).
- Add project details, including building type, use, and fixtures, and complete the necessary declarations for either owner/builder or contractor.
- Upload all pertinent documents related to your application.
- Provide a digital signature.
- Submit the application.
- After receiving a confirmation email with a permit fee invoice, pay the invoice with TESSA.
After paying the invoice online, the permit will be issued by email to the contact you provided.
A Residential Repipe Insta-Permit is a limited permit for the replacement of water piping serving existing plumbing fixtures in a single residential unit. This permit does not include any work done in the public right of way. No other improvements are allowed with this permit (e.g. no new fixtures, meter replacements, sanitary piping, or gas piping, etc.). The city standard plans for Water Repipe must be used to obtain this permit. If your scope of work is beyond the description above, please submit a Plumbing - Residential permit application.
All Insta-Permit applications are to be completed through the Totally Electronic Self Service Application (TESSA). Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit.
- Make sure you know the project information below:
- Project address
- Contact information
- Project valuation, fixture counts, building type, current and proposed uses as applicable
- Owner/builder or contractor information for the appropriate declaration
- Additional documents specific to the application type
- Complete the Residential Repipe city standard. Make sure all relevant information is provided. Please note the city standard is a fillable PDF and some information is necessary for the plans to be reviewed in the field by our inspectors. Save as a PDF.
- Log into TESSA and complete the Insta-Permit application process. Note that attachments should be in PDF format. The process will involve the following steps:
- Add the job site address.
- Provide a work description and valuation, if applicable.
- Add contact information (applicant, contractor, property owner, etc.).
- Add project details, including building type, use, and fixtures, and complete the necessary declarations for either owner/builder or contractor.
- Upload all pertinent documents related to your application.
- Provide a digital signature.
- Submit the application.
- After receiving a confirmation email with a permit fee invoice, pay the invoice with TESSA.
After paying the invoice online, the permit will be issued by email to the contact you provided.
A Residential HVAC Insta-Permit is a limited permit for the installation or replacement of HVAC equipment in a single-family dwelling on a single parcel. Improvement under this permit may include A/C condensers, forced air units (FAU), fan coils, new duct work, wall heaters, mini splits, furnaces, heat pumps, and whole house fans. All HVAC components MUST be located within a privately owned location. All exterior equipment must be installed at ground level (no roof-top equipment) and on the side/rear façade(s) of the building. The equipment SHALL NOT be visible to the public. No additional conditioned spaces shall be created from this permit. The city standard plans for HVAC must be used to obtain this permit. No other improvements are allowed with this permit. If your scope of work is beyond the description above, please submit an application for a Mechanical - Residential permit.
All Insta-Permit applications are to be completed through the Totally Electronic Self Service Application (TESSA). Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit.
- Make sure you know the project information below:
- Project address
- Contact information
- Project valuation, fixture counts, building type, current and proposed uses as applicable
- Owner/builder or contractor information for the appropriate declaration
- Additional documents specific to the application type
- Complete the Residential HVAC city standard. Make sure all relevant information is provided. Please note the city standard is a fillable PDF and some information is necessary for the plans to be reviewed in the field by our inspectors. Save as a PDF.
- Log into TESSA and complete the Insta-Permit application process. Note that attachments should be in PDF format. The process will involve the following steps:
- Add the job site address.
- Provide a work description and valuation, if applicable.
- Add contact information (applicant, contractor, property owner, etc.).
- Add project details, including building type, use, and fixtures, and complete the necessary declarations for either owner/builder or contractor.
- Upload all pertinent documents related to your application.
- Provide a digital signature.
- Submit the application.
- After receiving a confirmation email with a permit fee invoice, pay the invoice with TESSA.
After paying the invoice online, the permit will be issued by email to the contact you provided.
A Pool Demolition Insta-Permit is a limited permit for the demolition of an existing pool and/or spa; including the capping of associated plumbing and electrical connections. The city standard plans for Pool Demolition must be used to obtain this permit. No other improvements are allowed with this permit. If your scope of work is beyond the description above (e.g. demolition of additional structures) please submit a Pool - Demolition permit application.
All Insta-Permit applications are to be completed through the Totally Electronic Self Service Application (TESSA). Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit.
- Make sure you know the project information below:
- Project address
- Contact information
- Project valuation, fixture counts, building type, current and proposed uses as applicable
- Owner/builder or contractor information for the appropriate declaration
- Additional documents specific to the application type
- Complete the Pool Demolition city standard. Make sure all relevant information is provided. Please note the city standard is a fillable PDF and some information is necessary for the plans to be reviewed in the field by our inspectors. Save as a PDF.
- Log into TESSA and complete the Insta-Permit application process. Note that attachments should be in PDF format. The process will involve the following steps:
- Add the job site address.
- Provide a work description and valuation, if applicable.
- Add contact information (applicant, contractor, property owner, etc.).
- Add project details, including building type, use, and fixtures, and complete the necessary declarations for either owner/builder or contractor.
- Upload all pertinent documents related to your application.
- Provide a digital signature.
- Submit the application.
- After receiving a confirmation email with a permit fee invoice, pay the invoice with TESSA.
After paying the invoice online, the permit will be issued by email to the contact you provided.
A L.T.I.A. Demolition Insta-Permit is a limited permit for the interior demolition of an existing tenant space in a mall or high rise in the pre-designated LTIA zone. Includes the capping of all electrical, mechanical, and plumbing as applicable. This permit is for interior, non-structural demolition ONLY. ALL tenant improvements shall be processed under a separate permit. The city standard plans for LTIA Demolition must be used to obtain this permit. No other improvements are allowed with this permit. If your scope of work is beyond the description above please submit a Demolition permit application.
All Insta-Permit applications are to be completed through the Totally Electronic Self Service Application (TESSA). Please compile the following items before applying for an Insta-Permit.
- Make sure you know the project information below:
- Project address
- Contact information
- Project valuation, fixture counts, building type, current and proposed uses as applicable
- Owner/builder or contractor information for the appropriate declaration
- Additional documents specific to the application type
- Complete the L.T.I.A. Demolition city standard. Make sure all relevant information is provided. Please note the city standard is a fillable PDF and some information is necessary for the plans to be reviewed in the field by our inspectors. Save as a PDF.
- Log into TESSA and complete the Insta-Permit application process. Note that attachments should be in PDF format. The process will involve the following steps:
- Add the job site address.
- Provide a work description and valuation, if applicable.
- Add contact information (applicant, contractor, property owner, etc.).
- Add project details, including building type, use, and fixtures, and complete the necessary declarations for either owner/builder or contractor.
- Upload all pertinent documents related to your application.
- Provide a digital signature.
- Submit the application.
- After receiving a confirmation email with a permit fee invoice, pay the invoice with TESSA.
After paying the invoice online, the permit will be issued by email to the contact you provided.
Contractor Licenses
All contractors must have an active State of California contractor’s license and Costa Mesa business license. Apply for a Costa Mesa contractor business license or renew a contractor business license with TESSA.
Contact a Building Technician for Assistance
Please contact the Building Division if you need assistance with an Insta-Permit. Provide your name, contact information, project address, and brief project description.
City Hall is open Monday – Friday (closed alternate Fridays) between 8 AM and 5 PM
A building technician is available to provide assistance on a walk-in basis, by appointment, phone, or email. To improve efficiency, it is recommended to make an appointment for requests that are technical in nature to reduce wait times.