415/628 Area Code
On December 14, 2014, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved an overlay in Decision 13-12-055 to accommodate the need for additional telephone numbers in the 415 area code region. On March 21, 2015, the overlay became effective and the new 628 area code was overlaid onto the 415 area code.
The overlay allows all existing 415 area code customers to keep their telephone numbers and the 415 area code. However, calls made from the 415 or 628 area code need to be dialed as 1 + area code + 7-digit telephone number. Calls placed from 415 or 628 numbers without the “1” and the area code will not be completed and will result in a recording instructing the caller to hang up and dial again. Cellphone callers who have service with certain cell service providers may be able to complete calls without dialing “1” before the area code.
Dialing 1 + area code + 7-digit telephone number does not change what a call costs and does not mean that a call is a toll or long distance call. Therefore, calling areas and rates do not change. What is a local call before the overlay remains a local call after the overlay and dialing “1” and the area code does not mean there is a charge for the call. Calls to 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 are not affected, and continue to be dialed with 3 digits.
Background
The 415 area code was created in 1947 as one of the original three area codes in California. The 415 area code has been split three times: in 1959 to create the 408 area code, in 1991 to create the 510 area code, and in 1997 to create the 650 area code.
Today, the 415 area code and its overlay area code 628 serve the greater San Francisco Bay area, including the City and County of San Francisco, the majority of Marin County and a small portion of San Mateo County. Cities served by the 415 and the 628 area codes include, in addition to the City of San Francisco, the cities of Brisbane, Daly City, Belvedere, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Fairfax, Novato, Ross, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon.