From a534785fd039bc7b2a2165bfcd547527413bf883 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: DavidQ <qbytes.dq@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:28:44 -0400
Subject: [PATCH] PR_26172_OWNER_039-codex-project-instructions-startup

---
 docs_build/dev/ProjectInstructions/README.txt |  1 +
 .../codex-project-instructions-startup.md     | 56 +++++++++++++++++++
 2 files changed, 57 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 project-instructions/addendums/codex-project-instructions-startup.md

diff --git a/docs_build/dev/ProjectInstructions/README.txt b/docs_build/dev/ProjectInstructions/README.txt
index c1b401225..83680ec7e 100644
--- a/docs_build/dev/ProjectInstructions/README.txt
+++ b/docs_build/dev/ProjectInstructions/README.txt
@@ -47,3 +47,4 @@ Addendum index:
 - Legacy Migration Policy: project-instructions/addendums/legacy-migration-policy.md
 - Assistant Execution Modes: project-instructions/addendums/assistant-execution-modes.md
 - Codex Artifact and Reporting Standard: project-instructions/addendums/codex-artifact-and-reporting-standard.md
+- Codex Project Instructions Startup: project-instructions/addendums/codex-project-instructions-startup.md
diff --git a/project-instructions/addendums/codex-project-instructions-startup.md b/project-instructions/addendums/codex-project-instructions-startup.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..56ea75dbe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/project-instructions/addendums/codex-project-instructions-startup.md
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+# Codex Project Instructions Startup
+
+## Purpose
+
+Ensure Codex uses the current approved governance before making repository changes.
+
+## Startup Requirement
+
+Before performing work, Codex must review and use:
+
+```text
+docs_build/dev/ProjectInstructions/
+```
+
+Codex must use this as the primary source of truth for:
+- Governance rules
+- Repository standards
+- Ownership rules
+- Workflow rules
+- Addendums
+- Execution modes
+- Artifact requirements
+
+Chat instructions may supplement Project Instructions but must not override approved governance without explicit Owner approval.
+
+## Conflict Handling
+
+If a chat instruction conflicts with Project Instructions:
+- Stop
+- Do not continue the PR
+- Produce the required ZIP artifact
+- Document the conflict in summary.md
+- Ask for Owner direction
+
+## Execution Mode Validation
+
+When a request contains:
+- Build PR
+- Continue
+- Follow Project Instructions
+- Next PR
+
+Codex must treat the request as Execution Mode.
+
+Execution Mode means:
+- Execute the requested work order
+- Do not redesign the process
+- Do not provide alternatives unless a Stop Gate condition exists
+
+## Validation
+
+Before completing the PR:
+- Verify this addendum appears in the Project Instructions index
+- Verify markdown is valid
+- Verify all indexed addendums exist
+- Verify the required ZIP artifact is produced