diff --git a/apps/web/lib/hooks/use-residential-projects-flag.ts b/apps/web/lib/hooks/use-residential-projects-flag.ts
index c2a6123..e192b72 100644
--- a/apps/web/lib/hooks/use-residential-projects-flag.ts
+++ b/apps/web/lib/hooks/use-residential-projects-flag.ts
@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ const QUERY_PARAM = 'residential_projects';
 
 function readEnvDefault(): boolean {
   const raw = process.env['NEXT_PUBLIC_FEATURE_RESIDENTIAL_PROJECTS'];
-  if (!raw) return false;
-  return raw === '1' || raw.toLowerCase() === 'true';
+  if (raw == null || raw === '') return true;
+  return !(raw === '0' || raw.toLowerCase() === 'false');
 }
 
 function readOverride(): boolean | null {