News

Visalia, and the rest of Tulare County, will soon get a second area code.

Starting February 26, 2025, dialing will require a 1 + area code + phone number, as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ensures a continuing supply of phone numbers.

In short, the current supply of 559 area code numbers is running out, with the CPUC expecting those available to run out by September 2025.

An overlay means that a new area code (in this case, 357) is being added to the same geographic region already served by an existing 559 area code (in this case, 559).

This doesn't require existing customers to change their area code, but it does introduce a new dialing procedure.

Starting February 26, 2025, you must use the new dialing procedure and enter 1 + area code + phone number. Calls without the area code will not be completed.

On March 26, 2025, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers from the new 357 area code.

• Phone numbers you use to call the City of Visalia Departments and offices.
• Telephone numbers, including the current area code, stay the same for those who already have their numbers.
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the area code overlay.
• What is a local call now will remain a local call.
• Customers will continue to dial 1+10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long distance calls.
• Customers can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 if those are currently available in their community.

Everyone in Visalia and the region should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 357 area code as a valid area code and continue to store or program telephone numbers as 10-digit numbers.

For more information about this update, visit the CPUC website at their 559/357 Area Codes page here.