Is It The End Of The Line For The 916 Area Code In Sacramento?

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Residents looking for a new phone number may find the classic 916 area code isn't possible.

The Sacramento region that makes up the 916 areas code is growing so quickly, change is in order.

I've seen a few tattoos here and there so hope they won't change area code," said Ranee De la Cruz.

The California Public Utilities Commission says a second Sacramento area code will be introduced by June of 2018. What that three-digit code will be remains a mystery.

But Ranee says 916 pride is already at an all time high.

"A lot of people wanting to represent what part of town they group up in. we sell Roseville, Elk Grove, we sold out of the South Sac," Ranee said.

Pat Sweeney's sports shop Fleet Feet has had the same digits for 40 years—the number spells out feet.

"I never thought that would happen, that we would outgrow it," he said.

He can keep his number, but people in the new area code would have to dial 916 first.

The plan is to overlay the new area code over the existing 916 area code. Existing residents wouldn't have to change their number, but newcomers would be getting a new one starting in June 2018.

The PUC will hold a series of meetings in August.

SACRAMENTO
1 p.m. Aug. 15
Sacramento City Hall
915 I St, 2nd floor

FOLSOM
6 p.m. Aug. 15
Folsom Community Center
Activity Room
52 Natoma St.

ROSEVILLE
1 p.m. Aug. 16
Roseville Civic Center
311 Vernon St. Rms 1 and 2