diff --git a/modules/config/config.go b/modules/config/config.go
index 3314e6b..36a79b2 100644
--- a/modules/config/config.go
+++ b/modules/config/config.go
@@ -40,8 +40,13 @@ type Templates struct {
 }
 
 func LoadConfig() {
-	if err := godotenv.Load("local.env"); err != nil {
-		gocnjhelper.LogFatalf("Failed to load env, err: %s", err)
+	// argument to start the server locally for development
+	if len(os.Args) > 1 {
+		if os.Args[1] == "--local" || os.Args[1] == "-l" {
+			if err := godotenv.Load("local.env"); err != nil {
+				gocnjhelper.LogFatalf("Failed to load env, err: %s", err)
+			}
+		}
 	}
 
 	debug, err := strconv.ParseBool(os.Getenv("DEBUG"))