diff --git a/include/libwebsockets/lws-context-vhost.h b/include/libwebsockets/lws-context-vhost.h
index e7bc620c8..152a79a26 100644
--- a/include/libwebsockets/lws-context-vhost.h
+++ b/include/libwebsockets/lws-context-vhost.h
@@ -203,6 +203,10 @@ enum lws_context_options {
 	 * on the client using http when he meant https... it's not
 	 * recommended.
 	 */
+	LWS_SERVER_OPTION_FAIL_UPON_UNABLE_TO_BIND		= (1 << 30),
+	/**< (VH) When instantiating a new vhost and the specified port is
+	 * already in use, a null value shall be return to signal the error.
+	 */
 
 	/****** add new things just above ---^ ******/
 };
diff --git a/lib/roles/http/server/server.c b/lib/roles/http/server/server.c
index 2523d7018..2433149b8 100644
--- a/lib/roles/http/server/server.c
+++ b/lib/roles/http/server/server.c
@@ -130,13 +130,15 @@ done_list:
 			if (info) /* first time */
 				lwsl_err("VH %s: iface %s port %d DOESN'T EXIST\n",
 				 vhost->name, vhost->iface, vhost->listen_port);
-			return 1;
+			return (info->options & LWS_SERVER_OPTION_FAIL_UPON_UNABLE_TO_BIND) == LWS_SERVER_OPTION_FAIL_UPON_UNABLE_TO_BIND?
+				-1 : 1;
 		case LWS_ITOSA_NOT_USABLE:
 			/* can't add it */
 			if (info) /* first time */
 				lwsl_err("VH %s: iface %s port %d NOT USABLE\n",
 				 vhost->name, vhost->iface, vhost->listen_port);
-			return 1;
+			return (info->options & LWS_SERVER_OPTION_FAIL_UPON_UNABLE_TO_BIND) == LWS_SERVER_OPTION_FAIL_UPON_UNABLE_TO_BIND?
+				-1 : 1;
 		}
 	}