Newcastle seeking new zip

Newcastle is looking to put a new ZIP in its civic life.

The city, incorporated since 1994, has a newly expanded Coal Creek Parkway and a new YMCA facility. Now it wants its own zip code.

Newcastle has twice been denied its own zip code by the United State Postal Service. Newcastle homeowners and businesses have to use one of two zip codes assigned to Renton (98056 and 98059).

The city of Newcastle is now petitioning the USPS for a third time, and hopes to win this battle with the help of its residents. In addition to providing its own documentation, the city is asking residents to take a survey and send in personal stories of how they’ve been impacted by the zip code dilemma.

“We heard from a resident who had a car problem and needed a tow truck,” said City Manager John Starbard. “The stranded motorist told the dispatcher she was in Newcastle and provided her the 98059 zip code, but the dispatcher said she couldn’t send help to an ‘unknown location.’ It was as if the driver was somewhere that didn’t exist.”

In addition to computers that don’t recognize Newcastle addresses, the city also is losing sales tax money to Renton. When out-of-town or out-of-state deliveries are shipped to Newcastle, many companies use only the 5 digit zip code to forward sales tax dollars instead of using the complete street address.

“The survey we’re asking residents to take will address many of the problems they face on a daily basis because of the zip code issue,” said Starbard. “By sharing their experiences and frustration with the Postal Service, we hope the outcome will be favorable this time around.”

The zip code survey is now available online at the city of Newcastle’s

blog. Paper surveys can also be filled out in person at Newcastle City Hall.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.