You can't make those modifications without others letting you. And when the others don't want that happening in their neighborhood, after 50 years of precedent they decide the best option is to prevent the problem and only allow housing that can fully accomodate the homeowner. And that includes their vehicle.

Someday, it may also include their pets. As of yet it doesn't, but these "thickly settled" areas are starting to feel the effects of people who want to keep large pets in small houses where the space to walk them is limited.