diff --git a/docs/docs/configuration/genai.md b/docs/docs/configuration/genai.md
index 68ea054d1..89405360d 100644
--- a/docs/docs/configuration/genai.md
+++ b/docs/docs/configuration/genai.md
@@ -112,9 +112,12 @@ genai:
   provider: openai
   api_key: "{FRIGATE_OPENAI_API_KEY}"
   model: gpt-4o
-  base_url: https://api.openai.com/v1
+  base_url: http://example.endpoint/v1 # optional
 ```
 
+### Optional base_url Parameter
+The base_url parameter is an optional configuration setting that allows you to specify a custom endpoint for the OpenAI API. By default, the OpenAI client uses the standard API endpoint provided by OpenAI. However, if you need to route your requests through a different server or use a proxy, you can set this parameter to the desired URL.
+
 ## Azure OpenAI
 
 Microsoft offers several vision models through Azure OpenAI. A subscription is required.
diff --git a/frigate/genai/openai.py b/frigate/genai/openai.py
index 0d3ecaf65..ffc993d6c 100644
--- a/frigate/genai/openai.py
+++ b/frigate/genai/openai.py
@@ -22,8 +22,8 @@ class OpenAIClient(GenAIClient):
     def _init_provider(self):
         """Initialize the client."""
 
-        if self.genai_config.base_url is None or self.genai_config.base_url == "":
-            self.genai_config.base_url = "https://api.openai.com/v1"
+        if self.genai_config.base_url == "":
+            self.genai_config.base_url = None
 
         return OpenAI(
             api_key=self.genai_config.api_key, base_url=self.genai_config.base_url