The 818 area code is a well-known telephone code in Southern California, primarily serving the San Fernando Valley region. With its proximity to Los Angeles, the 818 area code has become an essential part of the telecommunications landscape in one of the most densely populated and economically significant regions in the state. From entertainment to technology, the San Fernando Valley is home to a diverse range of industries and communities. In this article, we will explore the history of the 818 area code, its geographical reach, its significance for local businesses, and how it operates today.
What Is the 818 Area Code?
The 818 area code serves the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County, covering cities such as Burbank, Glendale, and San Fernando, as well as several neighborhoods in Los Angeles itself. Established in 1984 as a split from the 213 area code, the 818 area code was introduced to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers in the northern part of the greater Los Angeles area. Today, the 818 area code is synonymous with the San Fernando Valley, a region known for its entertainment industry, suburban communities, and bustling business centers.
In 2009, the 818 area code was overlaid with the 747 area code to ensure a sufficient supply of phone numbers for the area’s expanding population.
History of the 818 Area Code
The 818 area code was created on January 7, 1984, after it was split from the 213 area code, which originally covered much of Southern California, including Los Angeles. The split was necessary due to the rapid population growth in the region, particularly in the San Fernando Valley. As more residents and businesses moved into the area, the demand for phone numbers increased, leading to the creation of the 818 area code.
The Introduction of the 747 Overlay
By the early 2000s, the 818 area code was once again running out of available phone numbers. To address this issue without disrupting existing numbers, the California Public Utilities Commission introduced the 747 area code as an overlay for the 818 region. This overlay was implemented on May 18, 2009, allowing new phone numbers to be assigned with either the 818 or 747 area code, depending on availability. The overlay system also meant that 10-digit dialing became mandatory for all local calls within the area.
Geographical Scope of the 818 Area Code
The 818 area code covers a significant portion of the San Fernando Valley, which is located in the northern part of Los Angeles County. This area is known for its suburban neighborhoods, entertainment industry hubs, and diverse communities. The 818 area code serves a variety of cities and neighborhoods, many of which are economically and culturally significant.
Key Areas Served by the 818 Area Code:
- Burbank: Known as the “Media Capital of the World,” Burbank is home to major entertainment companies such as Warner Bros., Disney, and NBCUniversal. The city plays a key role in the film, television, and animation industries.
- Glendale: A bustling city with a strong business community and a large Armenian population, Glendale is known for its shopping districts, corporate offices, and residential neighborhoods.
- San Fernando: A small city located within the San Fernando Valley, San Fernando is known for its historic downtown area and strong sense of community.
- North Hollywood: A neighborhood in Los Angeles known for its arts district and proximity to major film and television studios. North Hollywood is a vibrant cultural hub within the 818 area code.
- Van Nuys: A major commercial and residential area in the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys is known for its civic center and business districts.
Table: Breakdown of Cities Served by the 818 Area Code
| City in San Fernando Valley | Primary Area Code | Overlay Area Code |
| Burbank | 818 | 747 |
| Glendale | 818 | 747 |
| San Fernando | 818 | 747 |
| North Hollywood | 818 | 747 |
| Van Nuys | 818 | 747 |
The 818 and 747 area codes together cover much of the San Fernando Valley, providing essential telecommunications services to both residential and business customers.
How to Dial the 818 Area Code
Dialing a number with the 818 area code follows the standard North American dialing procedures. Since the 818 area code is now overlaid with the 747 area code, 10-digit dialing is required for all local calls, even within the same area.
Dialing from the US
- Local Calls: To dial a local number within the 818 area code region, dial the full 10-digit number, including the 818 area code, followed by the 7-digit local number (e.g., 818-123-4567).
- Long-Distance Calls: If you’re calling a number with the 818 area code from outside the San Fernando Valley region but within the U.S., dial 1 (the U.S. country code), followed by 818 and the 7-digit local number (e.g., 1-818-123-4567).
Dialing from Abroad
When dialing a number with the 818 area code from outside the U.S., you will need to include the international dialing code for the U.S., which is +1, followed by the 818 area code and the local number. The format is as follows:
- Dial +1 818 followed by the 7-digit local number (e.g., +1 818 123 4567).
This ensures that your call is directed to the correct recipient in the San Fernando Valley region of Southern California.
Also Read: 02 Area Code
Importance of the 818 Area Code for Businesses
The 818 area code is particularly important for businesses operating in the San Fernando Valley, a region known for its thriving entertainment industry, diverse population, and economic significance. From film studios in Burbank to corporate offices in Glendale, the San Fernando Valley is home to a wide range of industries that rely on telecommunications to operate efficiently.
Benefits for Businesses Using the 818 Area Code:
- Local Presence: A phone number with the 818 area code signals that your business is based in or serves the San Fernando Valley, helping to build trust with local customers and clients.
- Access to Major Industries: The San Fernando Valley is a hub for the entertainment, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. Having a local phone number allows businesses to tap into these key markets.
- Connection to the Entertainment Industry: With Burbank and North Hollywood located within the 818 area code, businesses in the entertainment industry can benefit from being close to major film studios, production companies, and talent agencies.
Businesses located outside of California can also acquire a 818 number through VoIP services, allowing them to establish a virtual presence in the San Fernando Valley and connect with customers and clients in this key market.
The Future of the 818 Area Code
As the San Fernando Valley continues to grow and develop, the 818 area code will remain an important part of the region’s telecommunications infrastructure. The introduction of the 747 overlay has ensured that there are enough phone numbers available to meet the needs of the region’s expanding population and economy.
While the 818 area code remains widely used today, new phone numbers in the region are increasingly being assigned the 747 area code. However, the 818 area code retains its historical significance and will continue to be an important identifier for the San Fernando Valley for years to come.
FAQs About the 818 Area Code
What areas are covered by the 818 area code?
The 818 area code covers the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County, including cities such as Burbank, Glendale, San Fernando, North Hollywood, and Van Nuys.
Is the 818 area code still available for new phone numbers?
Yes, the 818 area code is still in use, but many new phone numbers in the region are now assigned the 747 overlay code due to the limited availability of 818 numbers.
How do I call a number with the 818 area code from outside the U.S.?
To call a number with the 818 area code from abroad, dial +1 (the U.S. country code), followed by 818 and the 7-digit local number.
Can businesses outside of California get an 818 area code number?
Yes, businesses can acquire an 818 area code number through VoIP services, allowing them to establish a virtual presence in the San Fernando Valley.
Why was the 747 area code introduced?
The 747 area code was introduced in 2009 as an overlay to the 818 area code to provide additional phone numbers for the growing population in the San Fernando Valley region.
The 818 area code is a key part of the telecommunications infrastructure in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, serving cities like Burbank, Glendale, and North Hollywood. Since its introduction in 1984, the 818 area code has supported the region’s growth and development, helping residents and businesses stay connected in one of the most economically and culturally significant areas in the United States. As the San Fernando Valley continues to thrive, the 818 area code will remain an essential part of its identity, providing reliable telecommunications services to businesses and residents alike.