diff --git a/model_server/scripts/run_server.py b/model_server/scripts/run_server.py
index 11d0b0f66b493d9db54153488457c9ad72cd516e..527adfd94e39b540f2ce3bf99bc9d4bbe62729d4 100644
--- a/model_server/scripts/run_server.py
+++ b/model_server/scripts/run_server.py
@@ -27,10 +27,15 @@ def parse_args():
         action='store_true',
         help='display extra information that is helpful for debugging'
     )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        '--reload',
+        action='store_false',
+        help='automatically restart server when changes are noticed, for development purposes'
+    )
     return parser.parse_args()
 
 
-def main(args, app_name='model_server.base.api:app', reload=False) -> None:
+def main(args, app_name='model_server.base.api:app') -> None:
 
     print('CLI args:\n' + str(args))
     server_process = Process(
@@ -41,9 +46,9 @@ def main(args, app_name='model_server.base.api:app', reload=False) -> None:
             'host': args.host,
             'port': int(args.port),
             'log_level': 'debug',
-            'reload': reload,
+            'reload': args.reload,
         },
-        daemon=(reload is False),
+        daemon=(args.reload is False),
     )
     url = f'http://{args.host}:{int(args.port):04d}/status'
     print(url)