LAKE ELSINORE -- Management of an entertainment complex moved a step closer Tuesday toward getting past some of the challenges that have dogged it since its opening in 2007.

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to legalize an existing 740-square-foot stage in Trevi Entertainment Center that was built there without the city's review and permission, and was found by planning officials to have some building deficiencies.

The discovery of the violation was one of several safety issues that led the commission in February to suspend the center's live entertainment permit for 90 days beginning March 4. The City Council had previously recommended revoking the permit, but the commission, which had issued it, had jurisdiction and decided for a lighter punishment.

Michel Knight owns and runs the complex, which features a bowling alley, game arcade and nightclub on Mission Trail in an old K-Mart building. He had contended business would slide and he might have to shut down without live music, dancing and shows.

The permit suspension was a catalyst for some residents led by a Trevi employee who launched a recall campaign now in progress against Councilman Tom Buckley, a critic of the live entertainment policy and one of the four council members who voted to revoke the permit.

Meanwhile, the center weathered the suspension, stayed out of more trouble and worked on ironing out the problems with the stage. Acting Community Development Director Tom Weiner recommended approval to the commissioners Tuesday.

Daryl Hickman, the councilman who voted against revoking the permit, spoke to the commission as a citizen to voice support for approval.

"Let this man conduct his business -- get on with it," Hickman urged.

No objections were raised by the five commissioners.

"As far as the stage goes, I think there has been enough scrutiny," Commissioner Phil Mendoza said. "I think there's no doubt this stage meets or exceeds the requirements."

Assuming the approval is not appealed to the council, it will be followed up with inspections and the issuance of a building permit, Weiner said. Until then, the stage will remain off-limits, but the 90-suspension of live entertainment has run its course, he said.

Most of Tuesday night's discussion revolved around proposed conditions that were brought to the commission in conjunction with the stage approval.

Representatives of the Best Western Lakeview Inn complained, as they have in the past, about noise from the entertainment spot driving away customers. One of the conditions requires Trevi's management to work with its neighbors to resolve noise problems, and the commissioners urged the two sides to cooperate.

The commissioners agreed that exceptions should be made to a condition prohibiting private events from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m., so all-night chaperoned high school events would be allowed, such as the ones held to celebrate graduations.

Knight objected to the commission's decision to enact a policy of reviewing Trevi's entertainment permit immediately after a violation occurs, but the commissioners reasoned that the history of problems warranted the tough stance and assured him it was not an attempt to harass his business.

Call staff writer Michael J. Williams at 951-676-4315, ext. 2635.