To avoid conflict with the California presidential primary, the Calabasas City Council gave preliminary approval this week to holding the city's elections 11 months later.

If finally approved, the April 9, 1996, city election will be moved to March 4, 1997.

The change of election dates would add 11 months to the council members' present terms. Final approval of the switch will be considered May 18.

In October, Gov. Pete Wilson signed legislation moving California's presidential primary from June, 1996, to March of that year in an attempt to give the state's voters more clout in the selection of presidential candidates.

That change would complicate the efforts of Calabasas officials to borrow election booths and other equipment in time for the city balloting in early April.