Citing a congressional ban on overhead wires and an interest in preserving the traditional character of the nation’s capital, a regional planning body has urged the District to power its planned streetcar network with technology other than hanging electric lines.

The National Capital Planning Commission Thursday approved the final site and building plans for a 1.3-mile streetcar line running from the Anacostia Metro Station to Bolling Air Force Base, via South Capitol Street. The commission also approved plans for street and sidewalk reconstruction along H Street Northeast between Third and 14th streets, a “Great Streets” project that is slated to include the installation of tracks for a future streetcar line.