Area Code Atlas

Area code 916 introduced as one of California's original area codes

Area code 916 was established in October 1947 as one of the first three area codes in California, originally assigned to the northernmost part of the state.

California NPA boundaries redrawn, including 415 and 916

In 1950, the boundaries of California's numbering plan areas were redrawn. Area code 415 was reassigned to the coastal region from the North Coast to the Oregon border, while area code 916 was remapped to cover northeastern California, including the Sierra Nevada to the Central Valley. Sacramento was reassigned from 415 to 916 as part of this statewide realignment.

Area code 209 split from 916

In 1958, area code 209 was created by splitting the southern portion of area code 916, covering cities such as Fresno, Stockton, and Modesto. This split reduced the geographic extent of 916, which now covers the northern region. The new area code 209 serves the northern San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Foothills region of Central California.

Announcement of Jeopardy Procedures for 510 and 916 NPAs (California)

NANP-Split of 916 (California) Numbering Plan Area (NPA)

NPA 530 split from 916

Area code 530 was created on November 1, 1997, in a split from area code 916, covering the northeastern portion including Redding, Yreka, Davis, and Mount Shasta. Simultaneously, Dixon was reassigned from 916 to 707.

Dixon reassigned from 916 to 707

The city of Dixon was reassigned from area code 916 to area code 707 on November 1, 1997, concurrent with the 530 split.

Overlay of area code 279 announced and approved for 916

The California Public Utilities Commission announced and approved the addition of area code 279 as an overlay for the 916 region on February 9, 2017, to address the exhaustion of available central office codes by December 2018.

NPA 279 overlay on 916 announced

NPA 279 to Overlay NPA 916 (California)

NPA 279 overlay activated over 916

Area code 279 began service on March 10, 2018, as an overlay to area code 916 in the Sacramento region to provide additional numbering resources.