1. Create an account on TESSA.
2. Search for a Special Event Permit Application (SEVT).
3. Complete all portions of the application. 
4. Upload additional required documents:
   • Certificate of Insurance - endorsing the City of Costa Mesa for 1,000,000
   • Vendor List - All vendors or businesses involved in the event must obtain a City of Costa Mesa business license
   • Map Layout of Event
   • Signed Indemnification Agreement
   • Signed Waiver and Release of Liability
5. Submit application for review.
6. Applicant will receive an invoice of $425.00 for the permit fee.

An approved special event permit cost will be invoiced to applicant once review is complete and approved.

9-205. Definitions.

“Special event” means an organized activity, public assembly or event involving fifty (50) or more people, and to which the public is invited to watch, listen or participate, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Motorized vehicle races or contests.
2. Carnivals, circuses, fairs, festivals, nondomesticated animal act or exhibition, and similar activities.
3. Any event with mechanical amusement rides.
4. Promotional or fund-raising activities.
5. Outdoor athletic events.
6. Parades.
7. Outdoor public assemblies.
8. Any event that will take place on a public right-of-way within the boundaries of the City of Costa Mesa or on other property owned or occupied by the City of Costa Mesa.
9. Outdoor shows, concerts, and exhibitions.
10. Outdoor craft fairs, soapbox derbies, or other similar events.
11. Any event, regardless of the number of people involved, requiring full or partial street closure that occurs on any city street, sidewalk, alley or other public right of way, and/or which is likely to obstruct, delay or interfere with the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

For full list of definitions, please refer to Costa Mesa Municipal Code here.

9-208. Application for permit.

a. An application for a permit required by this article shall be filed with the director on a form furnished by or acceptable to the director, and signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury. If the application is filed by an organization, the application shall be prepared, signed under penalty of perjury and filed by an officer of such organization, who is not less than eighteen (18) years of age. An indigent natural person may only apply on his/her own behalf and cannot apply on behalf of another person, corporation, association, partnership or other legal entity.

b.  A completed application shall be filed not less than fifteen (15) working days, nor more than six (6) months before the date of the proposed special event. However, it is recommended that a completed application be filed at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the proposed special event to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or delays. If an applicant for a special event desires to ensure the opportunity for an appeal to the city council in accordance with section 9-208.6, the application shall be filed with the director not less than sixty (60) calendar days, nor more than six (6) months before the date of the proposed special event. Applications filed less than sixty (60) calendar days prior to the proposed special event shall not be subject to appeal to the city council and the decision of the director shall be final. In the event that the decision of the director becomes final, the event organizer or other affected person may then file a petition for writ of mandate pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.6 or 1094.8 regarding the validity of the director’s decision to grant or deny the application.

For full list of application for permit, please refer to Costa Mesa Municipal Code here.

How can I submit a Special Event Permit application? All special event applications must be submitted through our online portal, TESSA.

How much is a Special Event Permit? An approved Special Event Permit is $425.00. Please refer to Special Event Fees tab for fee breakdown.

What forms of payment may I use to pay for my Special Event Application? You may pay by cash, check or Visa or MasterCard card.

Is insurance required for my event? Yes. General liability is required to hold an event on City property. Vendors who participate in the event are also required to provide insurance and a Costa Mesa business license. Please refer to pages 7 and 8 on Special Event Application for insurance sample.

I want to have a Grand Opening for my business, do I need a Special Event Permit? Yes. Special Event Permits are required for events that take place outdoors on private property or on public property with an invitation of 50 or more attendees. The City's main objective is to ensure safety for all involved.

Do I need a Special Event permit to have an event at the park? Yes. If your event is anticipating a gathering of 50 or more people and is affecting the normal and regular use of the park or flow of pedestrians. However, your event may be subject to also requiring a park reservation permit.

Can I advertise my event before Special Event Permit is issued? No. We discourage the advertisement of event(s) under review as the event(s) may be denied or review may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Applications may be submitted up to six (6) months before the event date.

1. Thoroughly review and complete Special Event application.
2. Include map layout of event.
3. Include Certificate of Insurance with your application endorsing the City of Costa Mesa, agents, and employees. Please refer to pages 7 and 8 on Special Event Application for insurance sample.
4. Include a non-refundable payment of $425.00 for Special Event application. 
5. Provide vendor information. All vendors must obtain a City of Costa Mesa business license. Please contact the Finance Department at 714-754-5235 for more information.
6. Double check your application for all components listened above. Once complete, email your application to SpecialEvents@costamesaca.gov or drop off  the application at the Parks & Community Services front desk located at City Hall on the third (3^rd) floor. 

Payment options:

1. Online:

• Payments processed through online portal, TESSA.

2. Mail:

• Check/Credit Card Authorization* form accepted.

• Payable to: CITY OF COSTA MESA

  Mailing Address: PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES

   P.O. BOX 1200

   COSTA MESA, CA 92628

3. In-Person: Costa Mesa City Hall, First (1^st) Floor

• 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

• Office Hours: Monday through Thursday and every other Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm

• Have TESSA Invoice number prior to visit

Special Event Application Process on TESSA

1. Applicant will submit complete application on TESSA. Applications must be complete and required documents must be uploaded in order for application to be reviewed. 
2. A City staff member will receive application and begin review process. If additional information is required, staff member will contact applicant. 
3. A City staff member will connect with Department(s) and compile event condition(s). Condition(s) may be relayed to applicant prior to final permit if event adjustments are needed.
4. Applicant will be able to view application process and see which "stage" of review the application is at.
5. An invoice of $400.00 for the Special Event application will be invoiced to the applicant. Please refer to Special Event Fee Breakdown for payment information.
6. If Special Event is approved, a City staff member will contact event organizer to provide Special Event Permit and any event conditions, if applicable, along with payment receipt.
7. If approved, please provide a follow up email regarding the questionnaire conditions provided in your permit to SpecialEvents@costamesaca.gov.