Costa Mesa would like to introduce you to the City’s new Totally Electronic Self-Service Application (TESSA)! TESSA is an online system that can help you submit and track City permit and license applications online from the comfort of your own home.
What is TESSA?
TESSA is a cutting edge, one-stop-shop electronic permitting and licensing application system. TESSA allows you to submit permit and license applications electronically, track progress, communicate with City staff, make payments, submit community concerns through our new “CostaMesa311” app, and much more - all online!
When will TESSA be available?
TESSA is going live in the summer of 2023.
Where is TESSA located?
TESSA is anywhere you are. It can help you submit and track most City permit applications from the comfort of your own home or the neighborhood coffee shop - anywhere you have online access!
What can TESSA do for you?
TESSA will help you submit, pay for, and track all building permit applications, business licenses, land use or development applications, submit community concerns through the City’s online app, and much more including:
Helps you check for Application and Project Status updates
Uploads project documents
Helps you view and pay invoices online
Sends emails updates at critical steps in the process
Provides contact information for specific City staff members assigned to your project
Supports electronic plan check
Returns plan corrections and receives plan revisions
Sends reminders about your project’s upcoming events such as planning commission hearings, city council meetings, and inspection dates if applicable.
Helps you schedule building, public works, and fire inspections online
Compiles inspection results from all City departments in one place and allows you to view them online
Helps you search and view public records and historical building data including plans and permits
Provides access to official documents
Helps you to submit a community concern through the City’s online app – CostaMesa311 and much more!
What happens if I have an active project now that will continue through the Go-Live date for TESSA?
TESSA is familiar with your projects and at Go-Live will have all relevant information about all active projects. Once you create an account and log in, you will be able to find your current projects and continue where you left off.
What do I need to do to use the system?
After TESSA’s launch, you will need to create an account. Return here for instructions, including helpful demos, “how to” videos, and more information on how to get started.
We will continue to update this FAQ sheet as we get closer to TESSA’s launch date. If you have specific questions please contact: 714-754-5000 and say you are looking for more information on TESSA and we will be happy to direct you to one of TESSA’s colleagues.