2019 to 2034 Comprehensive Plan Update For The Town of Santa Claus, Indiana Adopted On: __________________________ Prepared for and Under the Jurisdiction of Members of the Santa Claus Advisory Plan Commission J.R. Stillman, Chairman Kevin Burke Jason Little Matthew Taylor Robert Grundhoefer Russ Luthy Mike Schriefer Members of the Santa Claus Town Council Michael Johannes, President John R. Bowen Kevin Burke Jason Little Seth Windell Town Attorney Clerk-Treasurer Kevin Patmore Kelly Greulich With the Assistance of Morley
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2019 to 2034 Comprehensive Plan Update
For The
Town of Santa Claus, Indiana
Adopted On: __________________________
Prepared for and Under the Jurisdiction of
Members of the Santa Claus Advisory Plan Commission
Purpose of a Comprehensive Plan ................................................................................................................. 7
Required and Optional Components of a Comprehensive Plan ................................................................... 7
HISTORY (FROM 1994 PLAN) ......................................................................................................................... 10
NATURAL FEATURES ...................................................................................................................................... 13
POPULATION AND HOUSING ......................................................................................................................... 13
Population Trends and Forecasts ................................................................................................................. 13
Traffic Data .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Pedestrian Traffic Flows, Sidewalks, and Bicycle Transportation ............................................................... 16
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND BEAUTIFICATION ....................................................................... 18
LAND USES ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Christmas Lake Village .................................................................................................................................. 20
Lake Rudolph Campground .......................................................................................................................... 21
Santa Claus Industrial Park........................................................................................................................... 21
Kringle Place Commercial Area .................................................................................................................... 22
Holiday Village ............................................................................................................................................... 23
QUESTIONNAIRE: COMMENTS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC ................................................................ 24
Town Services ............................................................................................................................................... 24
Promotion and Tourism ................................................................................................................................. 27
Goals and Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 28
Bike Paths ...................................................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 5: Holiday World & Splashin' Safari ....................................................................................................... 20
Figure 6: Christmas Lake Village Aerial ............................................................................................................ 20
Figure 7: Lake Rudolph Campground Cabins .................................................................................................. 21
Figure 8: Santa Claus Industrial Park Extents .................................................................................................. 22
Figure 9: Kringle Place Commercial Area ......................................................................................................... 22
Figure 10: Undeveloped Areas North of Holiday World ................................................................................... 23
Figure 11: Town Services Part 1 ....................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 12: Town Services Part 2 ....................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 17: Goal 3: Provide for The Adequate And Desirable Development Of Community Facilities And
Public Services ................................................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 18: Goal 4: Provide A Transportation System That Will Ensure The Most Efficient And Safe
Movement Of People And Goods...................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 19: Goal 5: Promote Development Of Wide Range Of High Quality Housing .................................... 32
Figure 20: Goal 6: Ensure That All Land Uses Are Developed In A Manner Compatible With Surrounding
Land Uses .......................................................................................................................................................... 32
Figure 21: Goal 7: Promote Sound Industrial And Commercial Growth In Areas Most Suited For These
Figure 22: Goal 8: Promote And Protect The Rural Character, Holiday Theme And Small Town
Atmosphere Of Santa Claus .............................................................................................................................. 33
Figure 23: Goal 9: Promote Year-Round Tourism Within Santa Claus And The Surrounding Area............. 34
Figure 28: Bike Paths ......................................................................................................................................... 36
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
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Figure 29: Raising a Family ............................................................................................................................... 37
Table 2: Population Estimate Based on 2010 Census of the Town of Santa Claus
Figure 1: 2010 Santa Claus Population Age Distributions
TRANSPORTATION Transportation is a personal activity, a social service, and an industry. The Town of Santa Claus
recognizes the need to coordinate with industry, the County, and State and Federal governments.
Transportation systems must meet identified and projected transportation needs in a timely and cost-
effective manner. However, these systems must be compatible with the character of the Town of Santa
Claus. A well-functioning transportation system is essential for Santa Claus to ensure the efficient
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2010 Santa Claus Population Age Distribution
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
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movement of people and goods while maintaining the quality of life and simultaneously providing for
economic growth.
The street and highway system in the Santa Claus area provides various means of access to the region. In
recent years, traffic congestion in and around Santa Claus has worsened. The region contains several
state highways and has nearby access to Interstate 64 by way of limited access US 231. County roads
also move traffic in and out of the Santa Claus area. These transportation links are important in that they
open employment and shopping opportunities to Santa Claus residents. Protecting small-town character
while maintaining a satisfactory level of service (LOS) are sometimes conflicting goals. Growth, and
planning for it, is generally accepted; however, the type of growth that would change lifestyles too quickly is
not consistent with the Town’s desire to maintain its small-town character. The array of transportation
facilities and services in Santa Claus must fit projected needs within the limits of its character.
The relationship between land use decisions and transportation impacts is critical. The transportation
system often dictates where development will occur, and development in turn often determines where
transportation systems will be demanded. For these reasons, it is important that transportation planning is
linked to other planning efforts including land use, growth management, and economic development as well
as water and sewer facilities planning.
Traffic Data
Roads in Santa Claus are composed of the main arterial state highways, which see the majority of the
seasonal tourist traffic, and rural connectors which see very little traffic and are mostly used by residents of
Santa Claus. INDOT has recorded the annual average daily traffic on several of the roads throughout
Santa Claus as seen below. The largest traffic volumes are located on SR 162 and SR 245 which intersect
at the entrance to Holiday World. The large volumes of traffic coming into the town to visit the park often
require off-duty deputies to direct traffic. The traffic problems caused by the increased traffic volumes at
Holiday World is a concern of the town and will need a solution as the park grows. See attached traffic
maps for traffic counts.
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
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Figure 2: INDOT Recorded Traffic Data in Santa Claus and Spencer Count
Pedestrian Traffic Flows, Sidewalks, and Bicycle Transportation
Sidewalks complement the other components of a vehicular transportation network by increasing the safety
of pedestrians and offering an alternative and practical mode of transportation; thus, encouraging more
people to walk to their destinations. This is a desirable goal in a small residential community such as Santa
Claus. Sidewalks serve a variety of functions in a municipality. They separate pedestrian and vehicular
traffic, affording more safety to pedestrians, and encouraging the pedestrian mode of transportation.
Sidewalks allow for circulation within residential areas and provide pedestrian access to schools,
recreational areas and the commercial downtown area. Sidewalks also provide safer areas for disabled
citizens to travel and for children to travel and play. For these reasons the maintenance and upkeep of
sidewalks are essential. Bicycle transportation also shares many of these same characteristics. A
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
March 25, 2019
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combination system of sidewalks and bicycle pathways would provide a viable means of alternative
transportation to Santa Claus residents.
Existing Projects
Currently, bike trails are being developed throughout Santa Claus. There are currently projects to
create a trail connecting the towns of Santa Claus and Lincoln. The trails will also create a loop around
Lake Rudolph Campground and Holiday World. These projects will offer increased modes of transportation
for residents and visitors to Santa Claus while keeping in-line with the character of the town.
Figure 3: Proposed Walking/ Bike Trails
Green- Open Trails/ Blue- Trails Under Development/ Yellow- Short- Range Planned Trails/ Maroon- Long-
Range Planned Trails
The Town with funding from INDOT has constructed a new connector street from State Road 162 from
State Road 245. The connector street provides access from SR 162 and SR 245 and avoids the
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
March 25, 2019
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intersection at Holiday World which has traffic issues during the summer months and often requires
additional traffic control to facilitate cars entering the park. The surrounding lots serviced by the connector
street will be developed as commercial lots, this will increase the economic growth of the region without
further the congesting the SR 162, SR 245 intersection.
Figure 4: Proposed Connector Road
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND BEAUTIFICATION The Santa Claus Parks and Recreations Department released a Master Plan in 2011 which laid out the
goals and objectives of the Parks Department over the 5-year period. A survey was taken to find what
programs and projects the residents wanted. The majority of the public desired walking/ bike trails and a
public swimming pool. The parks department has made strides to increase the number of walking paths at
local parks and has plans to continue the effort, at this time there is not a public pool but the needs analysis
in the Master Plan indicated that the need for a pool is met as long as there is a pool within a 15-30 minute
travel time. Since the current Parks and Recreations Master Plan is out of date a new plan should be
developed to further the work that has already been done by the Parks and Recreations Department.
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
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LAND USES The Town of Santa Claus is fortunate to exhibit the rolling hills and small-town character that is typical for
many communities in Southern Indiana. Santa Claus is truly a unique community reflecting its namesake
with a holiday theme that permeates the entire community. This theme truly defines a sense of place for
Santa Claus residents and provides visitors to the community with a unique experience.
Santa Claus may be perceived as being comprised of distinct areas of similar development that relate to
existing land use, landscape character, and other unique features. The existing land use map identifies
areas of similar land uses and activities within Santa Claus. Land uses are defined by areas that exhibit
similar characteristics so that the relationships are apparent and easy to identify. The land use map along
with the written descriptions may be referenced by the Plan Commission for policy decisions regarding
planning and zoning issues.
Holiday World
The Holiday World Amusement Park is located at the heart of Santa Claus along State Road 162 near its
intersection with State Road 245. This amusement park has a very unique use, not only for Santa Claus
but for the entire region of southern Indiana. Holiday World is truly a unique attraction and provides a focus
for much of the image of Santa Claus.
Holiday World continues to expand with new rides and new attractions on an annual basis. This expansion
provides many opportunities for growth in and around Santa Claus. With this growth, also comes issues
such as increased parking demands, increased traffic generation and demands on sewer and water
utilities. The continued successful operation of Holiday World will provide many benefits to the Town of
Santa Claus.
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
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Figure 5: Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
Christmas Lake Village
Christmas Lake Village is a privately developed residential development south of State Road 162. The
residents in this development enjoy enhanced security with manned entrance gates. The central focus of
this development is an artificially created lake providing swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities to
residents within the development. Christmas Lake Village provides a variety of lot sizes and housing types.
Single-family residences are typically located on medium to large size lots with full utility availability and
underground electric service.
Figure 6: Christmas Lake Village Aerial
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
March 25, 2019
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Lake Rudolph Campground
Lake Rudolph is a campground and RV Resort north of Holiday World on State Road 245. This
campground takes advantage of the natural beauty of the land surrounding Holiday World and provides
overnight accommodations for tourists visiting the park. As further development occurs in Santa Claus care
should be taken to avoid disturbing the natural seclusion the area benefits from.
Figure 7: Lake Rudolph Campground Cabins
Santa Claus Industrial Park
Santa Claus is fortunate to have a designated industrial park within the town limits to provide residents with
job opportunities. This 325-acre development was established in 1970. All development tracts within the
park have access to municipal water and sewage facilities. Good vehicular access is provided along State
Road 162 to the north. A rail spur is available off the existing southern railroad line that passes adjacent to
the southwest corner of the industrial park. One major industrial tract has been developed within this park
and continues to provide jobs for residents in the area.
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
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Figure 8: Santa Claus Industrial Park Extents
Kringle Place Commercial Area
The Kringle Place Commercial Area is the focus of commercial development within Santa Claus. The
existing shopping center, bank, and gas station within this area provide residents with convenient access to
commercial uses. Undeveloped outparcels are available within this area for additional commercial
development.
Figure 9: Kringle Place Commercial Area
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
March 25, 2019
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Holiday Village
To the north of Santa Claus is a large area of partially developed residential land that falls within the town
limits. Much of this land is reclaimed surface coal mines. The land has a smaller community than that of
Christmas Lake Village but has its own club house, swimming pool, and lake. This land is limited in its
development potential due to settlement, lack of sufficient topsoil, and possible acid mine drainage.
Figure 10: Undeveloped Areas North of Holiday World
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
March 25, 2019
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QUESTIONNAIRE: COMMENTS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Town Services
Figure 11: Town Services Part 1
Figure 12: Town Services Part 2
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Maintenance ofStreets
Maintenance ofSidewalks
Town HallAdministration
Police Services Volunteer FireFighting Services
Zoning
Town Services
1= Very Dissatisfied 2 = Somewhat Dissatisfied 3 = Neutral
4 = Somewhat Satisfied 5 = Very Satisfied N/A
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Water & SewerAdministration
Parks / RecreationFacilities
Community Center Town Website BroadbandInternet
Cell Service
Town Services
1= Very Dissatisfied 2 = Somewhat Dissatisfied 3 = Neutral
4 = Somewhat Satisfied 5 = Very Satisfied N/A
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
March 25, 2019
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Volunteer Fire Fighting Services 4.23
Police Services 4.06
Maintenance of Sidewalks 3.90
Parks / Recreation Facilities 3.82
Town Hall Administration 3.73
Community Center 3.60
Maintenance of Streets 3.58
Water & Sewer Administration 3.57
Zoning 3.39
Town Website 3.35
Broadband Internet 2.93
Cell Service 2.82 Table 3: Town Services Scores
Most of the feedback on the town services was positive with the notable exclusions of broadband internet,
and cell service. Improving an existing system should be investigated by the town. The town website was
also an issue with some residents wanting the minutes from town meetings posted more frequently.
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Future Growth
Figure 13: Future Growth
Restaurants – Sit Down 4.77
Small Shops and Small Business 4.53
Business and Professional Services 3.76
Tourist Attractions 3.61
Restaurants – Fast Food 3.47
Single Family Residences 3.10
Strip Malls 2.88
Light Industry 2.85
Multi-Family (e.g., Apartments) 2.67
Chain Stores 2.54
Heavy Industry 2.13 Table 4: Future Growth Scores
The desire to keep the small-town atmosphere is apparent as the residents were not interested in Multi-
family housing, strip malls, chain stores, or heavy industry growth. The major desire for the town is to
develop restaurants of all kinds as well as shops and small businesses. The town should focus on
attracting restaurants and promoting small businesses.
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Future Growth
Yes No Neutral
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
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Promotion and Tourism
Figure 14: Promotion and Tourism
Recreational Opportunities 2.39
Historical Features 2.20
Abraham Lincoln 2.17
The Town Park 2.02
Town Community Center 1.82 Table 5: Promotion and Tourism Scores
Survey results indicate a desire to have more year-round recreational opportunities in Santa Claus. The
residents also requested a stronger focus on the historic nature of “Santa Claus”.
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RecreationalOpportunities
Historical Features The Town Park Town CommunityCenter
Abraham Lincoln
Promotion and Tourism
Unsure Low Priority Medium Priority High Priority None/ Not At All
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
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Goals and Objectives
Goal 7 Objective 4- Encourage development of dining establishments 2.72
Goal 2 Objective 1- Ensure that proper construction techniques are employed when building on unstable soils or steep slopes
2.68
Goal 2 Objective 2- Review new development proposals to ensure that erosion, water pollution, and air pollution controls are adequate to meet governmental standards
2.68
Goal 8 Objective 2- Preserve and support the residential nature of Santa Claus and recognize its history
2.68
Goal 8 Objective 1- Enforce design standards for commercial and industrial development that create a positive image to visitors and residents
Goal 9 Objective 2- Enhance and reinforce the holiday theme 2.53
Goal 9 Objective 3- Explore tourism links with other area attractions 2.44
Goal 6 Objective 1- Manage potential negative aspects of commercial and industrial development by the use of development standards (landscape buffers, signs, entries, lighting, etc.)
2.36
Goal 7 Objective 2- Encourage the expansion of professional and service-related business 2.33
Goal 1 Objective 1- Identify areas for preservation efforts that exhibit unique natural character 2.27
Goal 7 Objective 1- Promote the development of commercial and industrial uses so that they are compatible with surrounding land uses
2.24
Goal 1 Objective 3- Identify potential greenway corridors for recreation/open space preservation efforts
2.23
Goal 3 Objective 3- Encourage additional medical services 2.23
Goal 5 Objective 4- Encourage the preservation and restoration of existing housing stock 2.18
Goal 9 Objective 1- Promote the development of additional overnight lodging 2.18
Goal 3 Objective 4- Provide expanded services through the existing community center 2.17
Goal 4 Objective 1- Study traffic control needs in Town 2.11
Goal 6 Objective 2- Facilitate transitions between land uses of differing densities or types 2.11
Goal 1 Objective 2- Pursue a variety of open space preservation techniques, including agricultural and open space preservation zoning districts, conservation easements and overlay zoning designation
2.08
Goal 8 Objective 4- Discourage strip residential development 2.04
Goal 3 Objective 5- Study potential areas of annexation to provide for orderly growth 2.03
Goal 4 Objective 2- Prioritize needed improvements to the existing transportation system 2.00
Goal 5 Objective 1- Promote a variety of quality housing opportunities for all residents 2.00
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
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Goal 3 Objective 2- Provide additional police and fire protection 1.98
Goal 5 Objective 3- Encourage residential development to occur near current growth areas 1.95
Goal 7 Objective 5- Increase economic development efforts in promoting appropriate industrial development
1.94
Goal 7 Objective 3- Encourage the development of a wide range of industry sizes and types to allow the creation of a diverse work force
1.93
Goal 6 Objective 3- Discourage the expansion of strip commercial development along roadways 1.74
Goal 5 Objective 2- Allow for the creative design of residential developments such as mixed-use 1.73
Goal 4 Objective 3- Expand the existing system of bicycle and pedestrian trails throughout the Town
1.54
Table 6: Goal and Objectives Scores
The top responses by the public on the priority of goals and objectives were as follows:
1. Goal 7 Objective 4- Encourage the development of dining establishments
The public has a strong belief that the goal of increasing commercial growth in Santa
Claus can be met by developing dining establishments. A focus on attracting
restaurants to Santa Claus or promoting local restaurateurs.
2. Goal 2 Objective 1- Ensure that proper construction techniques are employed when
building on unstable soils or steep slopes
The Town should enforce IDEM Rule 5 standards for construction and reviewing plans to
verify they are being done with the best management practices.
3. Goal 2 Objective 2- Review new development proposals to ensure that erosion,
water pollution, and air pollution controls are adequate to meet governmental standards
The Town should enforce IDEM standards for all new construction. Any development of
heavy industry in Santa Claus Industrial Park should be reviewed to ensure it will not
affect the natural beauty of the region.
4. Goal 8 Objective 2- Preserve and support the residential nature of Santa Claus and
recognize its history
The Town should enforce zoning ordinances that prevent the development of industrial
facilities, strip malls or large commercial stores in the downtown Santa Claus area.
Santa Claus Comprehensive Plan
March 25, 2019
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Figure 15: Goal 1: Ensure That New Development Is Planned with Respect To Open Space Preservation
Figure 16: Goal 2: Ensure That All Development Is Planned So As To Mitigate Significantly Adverse Environmental impacts
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Identify areas for preservation effortsthat exhibit unique natural character
Pursue a variety of open spacepreservation techniques, including
agricultural and open spacepreservation zoning districts,
conservation easements and overlayzoning designation
Identify potential greenway corridorsfor recreation/open space
preservation efforts
Goal 1: Ensure That New Development Is Planned With Respect To Open Space Preservation
Unsure Low Priority Medium Priority High Priority None/ Not At All
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Insure that proper constructiontechniques are employed when
building on unstable soils or steepslopes
Review new development proposals toinsure that erosion, water pollution,
and air pollution controls areadequate to meet governmental