The area code 213 is a telephone area code that serves the downtown area of Los Angeles, California, and several surrounding communities. However, if you’re trying to understand “What Area Code Is 213,” it’s essential to know that it’s now part of a broader system. Today, the 213 area code operates under an overlay with the 323 area code, meaning the same geographic region is served by both 213 and 323. More recently, a new area code, 738, has also been introduced as an overlay to this region.
To fully grasp the current situation, let’s delve into the history and evolution of the 213 area code.
The Historical Significance of the 213 Area Code
Established in 1947, the 213 area code is one of California’s original three area codes, highlighting its historical importance in the state’s telecommunications infrastructure. Initially, it covered a vast area. However, as California’s population grew, the 213 area code underwent several splits to create new area codes for different regions. This series of divisions led to the creation of area codes 714 (in 1951), 805 (in 1957), 818 (in 1984), 310 (in 1991), and finally, 323 in 1998.
Despite these separations, the 213 area code remained a key identifier for the central Los Angeles region.
The 213/323 Overlay and the Introduction of 738
In 2017, a significant change occurred when the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the elimination of the boundary between the 213 and 323 area codes. This created the 213/323 overlay. Instead of splitting the area again, an overlay was implemented, meaning new phone numbers in this region could be assigned either the 213 or 323 area code. This overlay ensured a continuing supply of phone numbers for the area.
The 213 and 323 area codes together serve a densely populated area encompassing downtown Los Angeles and nearby cities and communities. These include Alhambra, Bell, Beverly Hills, Commerce, Glendale, Inglewood, Pasadena, West Hollywood, and many others, along with unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
To further address the increasing demand for phone numbers, the CPUC approved another overlay in March 2023. This introduced the 738 area code as an overlay to the existing 213/323 region. This means that within the same geographic area, phone numbers could now be assigned from the 213, 323, or 738 area codes. This additional area code ensures that there are enough numbering resources to meet the needs of the growing population and economy in the Los Angeles downtown and surrounding areas.
For any inquiries regarding telephone numbering and area codes, especially the 213, 323, and 738 area codes, you can contact the Numbering Staff for further assistance.
