Per the Los Angeles and California Building Code... garages are solely for Parking Cars.... Kind of like Attics are Not to be used for Storage. But no one enforces it unless your neighbors complain. And if they do... you might be screwed. When I built my garage the inspector and I often got side tracked talking about my 65 chevy and it kinda made the inspections go smoothly. There is a HUGE car culture in California.... and most embrace it. The problem is those who run a mechanic shop out of their garage as a Business. And I tend to agree that is not cool... as it could be an eye sore and noise problem day in and day out.... If only because the homes in the city are so close together. Personally, I could never own a house with a Front yard Garage.