diff --git a/docs/yaml_configuration.rst b/docs/yaml_configuration.rst
index dd84f7cb..598143a7 100644
--- a/docs/yaml_configuration.rst
+++ b/docs/yaml_configuration.rst
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ Bootstrap configuration
       See :ref:`custom bootstrap methods documentation <custom_bootstrap>` for details.
       When ``initdb`` is specified revert to the default ``initdb`` command. ``initdb`` is also triggered when no ``method``
       parameter is present in the configuration file.
-   -  **initdb**: List options to be passed on to initdb.
+   -  **initdb**: (optional) list options to be passed on to initdb.
 
       -  **- data-checksums**: Must be enabled when pg_rewind is needed on 9.3.
       -  **- encoding: UTF8**: default encoding for new databases.
diff --git a/patroni/validator.py b/patroni/validator.py
index ccf41fd0..9a4b117c 100644
--- a/patroni/validator.py
+++ b/patroni/validator.py
@@ -773,7 +773,7 @@ schema = Schema({
             Optional("retry_timeout"): int,
             Optional("maximum_lag_on_failover"): int
         },
-        "initdb": [Or(str, dict)]
+        Optional("initdb"): [Or(str, dict)]
     },
     Or(*available_dcs): Case({
         "consul": {