Tempe To Get An Additional ZIP Code On July 1

TEMPE, AZ —The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) revealed last week that Tempe will be adding another ZIP code beginning next month.

The new Zip code, 85288, will be located in North Tempe and is necessary due to rapid growth in the area, according to the postal service.

The new ZIP will go into effect on July 1, though mail will be delivered to either the new ZIP code or the old ZIP code for a period of a year.

"In order to provide efficient and cost-effective mail delivery now and for the future, the U.S. Postal Service is creating a new ZIP code in Tempe, AZ," the USPS announced in a statement.

The postal service added: "(The new Zipcode) allows for the addition of new delivery routes and new addresses in the area. Adding the new ZIP code will also help the postal service to sort, ship and deliver the mail more efficiently."

The USPS said customers whose Zip code will be switching to 85228, would be notified by mail.

A Tempe map, created by the USPS, shows much of the new 85228 area will be located just north of the Salt River, east of S. 56th Street, south of E. Continental Drive and west of N. McClintock Drive. There also is a sliver just south of the Salt River and east of the Arizona 101 Loop.

Though there is a grace period for the new Zip code to become fully integrated, the USPS has suggested ways in which residents in the 85228 can begin to phase out their old Zip codes, including:

• Use the new ZIP code and notify family, friends, business customers and business associates beginning June 1.
• Include the new ZIP code on any reply mail where the sender requests updated or corrected address information.
• Use the new ZIP code when reordering stationery such as letterhead, envelopes, promotional literature, forms and business cards.