2007 California Plumbing Code requires 18-inch elevation in garages. But the code in effect when the water heater was installed is what applies, so could be different.
508.14 Installation in Residential Garages.
(1) Gas utilization equipment in residential
garages and in adjacent spaces that open to
the garage and are not part of the living
space of a dwelling unit shall be installed so
that all burners and burner-ignition devices
are located not less than 18 inches (450 rom)
above the floor unless listed as flammable
vapor ignition resistant. [NFPA 54:9.1.10.1]
(2) Such equipment shall be located or
protected so it is not subject to physical damage
by a moving vehicle. [NFPA 54:9.1.10.2]
(3) When appliances are installed in a separate,
enclosed space having access only from
outside of the garage, such equipment may
be installed at floor level, providing the
required combustion air is taken from the
exterior of the garage. [NFPA 54: 9.1.10.3]
<a href="http://ftp.resource.org/bsc.ca.gov/title24_part05_dice/title24_part05_page0081.pdf">California Plumbing Code Link</a>