diff --git a/packages/server/src/api/controllers/application.js b/packages/server/src/api/controllers/application.js
index c9c072fc2b..63422c468a 100644
--- a/packages/server/src/api/controllers/application.js
+++ b/packages/server/src/api/controllers/application.js
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ exports.create = async function(ctx) {
   }
   await instanceController.create(createInstCtx)
 
-  if (env.NODE_ENV === "production") {
+  if (ctx.isDev) {
     const newAppFolder = await createEmptyAppPackage(ctx, newApplication)
     await runNpmInstall(newAppFolder)
   }