New Area Code to be Added to the 213/323 Area Code Region

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will begin the process to introduce a new area code to the 213/323 area codes, as the supply of available phone numbers in the 213/323 area code region is expected to be depleted by June 2025. Pending approval by the CPUC, the new area code will be introduced on top of the 213/323 area code region.

The 213/323 area code region was formed in 2017 when the 323 area code underwent an overlay that eliminated the boundary between the 213 area code region and the neighboring 323 area code region. The resulting combined 213/323 region is thus served by both the 213 and the 323 area codes. The new area code, if approved by the CPUC, will be the third area code for the region.

The CPUC has made available a recorded webcast to inform the public about the new area code. Topics to be discussed in the recorded webcast include: (1) History of the 213/323 area code; (2) Area code relief process; (3) Overlay relief method; (4) Effects of the pending overlay; and (5) Implementation periods. The recorded webcast will be available at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/AreaCodes/ beginning November 18, 2022. Comments about the addition of the new area code may be submitted to the CPUC Public Advisor's Office by e-mail at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov, or by postal mail to 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102 by January 18, 2023. A copy of the webcast presentation slides may be requested by contacting the CPUC Public Advisor's Office by email at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov, or by phone at (866)849-8390.