irvine is a planned community with a long list of prohibitions:
there are no convenience stores. 7-11's etc have payphones and draw unsavory types. i can't remember seeing an auto parts store, altho' i may be wrong on this one.
you may not park your car overnight on the street, nor in your driveway. you must put your car in the garage and shut the door at all times.
you may not plant bushes nor trees that are not approved.
etc.
i have no issue with these prohibitions. if you don't like them, then don't move to irvine. however, about 10 years ago the los angeles times published a very negative review of irvine listing some of the things that i mentioned above.
all the more reason to live in Irvine. There is an auto parts store, but no convenience stores that I know of, every gas station has one though and they are on every corner (almost). Plants should be approved because they should be water wise (my tree-hugger prop) Cars can be on the street but just not all the time(stored). i see people parking on the street in just about every neighborhood. And yes, if you are not into the rules and regulations there are plenty of other places to live. That's the beauty of it.
Happy FReepin'
K4
I found it to be a "Stepford" town. It's the last place I'd move to.