diff --git a/backend/aml/development_settings.py b/backend/aml/development_settings.py
index d812f965e..5979f1a33 100644
--- a/backend/aml/development_settings.py
+++ b/backend/aml/development_settings.py
@@ -28,4 +28,4 @@
 
 TESTING = DEBUG
 
-BASE_URL = os.getenv('BASE_URL', 'http://localhost:8000')
+BASE_URL = os.getenv('BASE_URL') or 'http://localhost:8000'