The land around Rockvale
Rockvale, in southwestern Rutherford County, has grown quickly as people look for more room outside Murfreesboro. It’s also classic karst country: Snail Shell Cave, one of the best-known cave systems in the county, lies near Rockvale, and sinkholes are part of the landscape.
On a karst lot, water can drain into the ground fast in one spot and pond in another, and rock depth can change in a few feet. Septic systems need setbacks from sinkholes, and grading should never funnel runoff into one. Seeing those features before the pad is laid out saves trouble later.
Permits
Septic permits come from TDEC through the Nashville field office; the Environmental Scientist will note sinkholes and rock on the site evaluation. Rutherford County issues building permits outside city limits.
Work that comes up in Rockvale
- Pads laid out around sinkholes and rock
- Septic installation on karst ground
- Drainage that keeps runoff out of sinkholes
- Slabs for homes and shops
- Custom homes and barndos on new acreage
Rockvale questions
Questions from Rockvale.
There’s a sinkhole on my Rockvale property. Can I still build?
Often, yes, but the house, the septic system and the grading all need to keep their distance from it. Sinkholes connect surface water to groundwater, so septic setbacks apply and runoff shouldn’t be pointed at one. The TDEC site evaluation will account for it.
Can I fill in a sinkhole to make room for the house?
Don’t just push dirt into it. Filling a sinkhole without proper engineering can lead to settling later and can change how water moves on the land. Talk to the county and TDEC before altering one, and plan the site around it where you can.
Why does rock depth change so much on Rockvale lots?
Karst limestone dissolves unevenly, so the rock surface underground is full of pinnacles and low spots. One trench can be easy and the next can hit rock a few feet down. It’s why we look before we price.
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