Merge branch 'master' into feat/issue-642-sanctioned-restart-controls

resolve_canonical_repo_root fallback now uses commonpath only — no
string split and no os.path.isdir gate — so MCP project_root =
branches/<wt> still resolves to the repo root when the path is not yet
on disk (#274 / review #551 regression).

author_mutation_worktree.py

@@ -40,22 +40,88 @@ def _normalize_path(path: str) -> str:
     return (path or "").replace("\\", "/").rstrip("/")
 
 
+def get_canonical_branches_root(project_root: str | None = None) -> str:
+    """Return the absolute path of the canonical branches directory for *project_root*."""
+    root = os.path.realpath(project_root) if project_root else os.path.realpath(os.getcwd())
+    canonical_repo_root = resolve_canonical_repo_root(root, root)
+    return os.path.realpath(os.path.join(canonical_repo_root, "branches"))
+
+
 def is_path_under_branches(path: str, project_root: str | None = None) -> bool:
-    """True when *path* resolves inside ``<project_root>/branches/``."""
-    normalized = _normalize_path(path)
-    if not normalized:
+    """True when *path* resolves inside a canonical ``branches/`` directory."""
+    if not path or not str(path).strip():
         return False
-    if "/branches/" in f"{normalized}/":
-        return True
-    if normalized.endswith("/branches"):
-        return True
-    if project_root:
-        root = _normalize_path(os.path.realpath(project_root))
-        real = _normalize_path(os.path.realpath(path))
-        if real.startswith(f"{root}/"):
-            rel = real[len(root) + 1 :]
-            return rel == "branches" or rel.startswith("branches/")
-    return False
+    try:
+        real_path = os.path.realpath(os.path.abspath(str(path).strip()))
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+
+    branches_root = get_canonical_branches_root(project_root or real_path)
+    try:
+        common = os.path.commonpath([branches_root, real_path])
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+
+    if common != branches_root:
+        return False
+
+    rel = os.path.relpath(real_path, branches_root)
+    return rel != "." and not rel.startswith("..")
+
+
+def resolve_canonical_repo_root(workspace_path: str, fallback_project_root: str) -> str:
+    """Return the stable repository root for *workspace_path* via git metadata (#460)."""
+    p = (workspace_path or "").strip()
+    if p:
+        try:
+            res = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", p, "rev-parse", "--git-common-dir"],
+                capture_output=True,
+                text=True,
+                check=True,
+            )
+            common = _realpath_git_common_dir(p, res.stdout)
+            if common.endswith(f"{os.sep}.git") or os.path.basename(common) == ".git":
+                candidate_root = os.path.dirname(common)
+                real_p = os.path.realpath(p)
+                try:
+                    if os.path.commonpath([candidate_root, real_p]) == candidate_root:
+                        return candidate_root
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    # Fallback when git metadata is unavailable. Never string-split on
+    # "/branches/" (review #531 F2 / #551): recover the repo root only via
+    # resolved-path commonpath ancestry. Do **not** require on-disk isdir —
+    # MCP may launch with project_root = branches/<wt> before that path
+    # exists, and #274 path-shaped worktree-as-project-root must still resolve.
+    fallback = os.path.realpath(fallback_project_root or workspace_path or ".")
+    cur = fallback
+    for _ in range(64):
+        parent = os.path.dirname(cur)
+        if parent == cur:
+            break
+        branches_dir = os.path.realpath(os.path.join(parent, "branches"))
+        try:
+            # Path-shaped: fallback is under parent/branches/ (commonpath).
+            if os.path.commonpath([branches_dir, fallback]) == branches_dir:
+                return parent
+        except ValueError:
+            pass
+        # Fallback path itself is the branches directory.
+        if os.path.basename(os.path.realpath(cur)) == "branches":
+            try:
+                if os.path.commonpath([os.path.realpath(cur), fallback]) == os.path.realpath(
+                    cur
+                ):
+                    return parent
+            except ValueError:
+                pass
+        cur = parent
+
+    return fallback
 
 
 def resolve_mutation_workspace(
@@ -87,29 +153,6 @@ def _realpath_git_common_dir(workspace_path: str, common_dir: str) -> str:
     return os.path.realpath(os.path.join(workspace_path, raw))
 
 
-def resolve_canonical_repo_root(workspace_path: str, fallback_project_root: str) -> str:
-    """Return the stable repository root for *workspace_path* via git metadata (#460)."""
-    path = (workspace_path or "").strip()
-    fallback = os.path.realpath(fallback_project_root)
-    if not path:
-        return fallback
-    try:
-        res = subprocess.run(
-            ["git", "-C", path, "rev-parse", "--git-common-dir"],
-            capture_output=True,
-            text=True,
-            check=True,
-        )
-        common = _realpath_git_common_dir(path, res.stdout)
-    except Exception:
-        return fallback
-    if common.endswith(f"{os.sep}.git"):
-        return os.path.dirname(common)
-    if os.path.basename(common) == ".git":
-        return os.path.dirname(common)
-    return fallback
-
-
 def resolve_author_mutation_context(
     worktree_path: str | None,
     process_project_root: str,

create_issue_bootstrap.py

@@ -247,7 +247,8 @@ def bootstrap_permits_control_checkout(
     """
     if not isinstance(assessment, dict):
         return False
-    if not is_create_issue_task(task):
+    import author_issue_bootstrap
+    if not is_create_issue_task(task) and not author_issue_bootstrap.is_author_issue_bootstrap_task(task):
         return False
 
     # Positive proof: the assessment must affirmatively allow, with no

docs/mcp-tool-inventory.md

@@ -69,6 +69,7 @@ that gates each call, not which tools exist.
 - `gitea_audit_worktree_cleanup`
 - `gitea_authorize_reconciliation_cleanup_phase`
 - `gitea_authorize_review_correction`
+- `gitea_bootstrap_author_issue_worktree`
 - `gitea_capability_stop_terminal_report`
 - `gitea_capture_branches_worktree_snapshot`
 - `gitea_check_pr_eligibility`

docs/sanctioned-restart-controls.md

@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+# Sanctioned restart and graceful reload controls (#642)
+
+Sessions used to recover MCP connectivity by killing the host daemon
+(`pkill -f mcp_server.py`, #630). That is forbidden and stays forbidden: it
+kills every namespace on the host, contaminates whichever session survives, and
+leaves no audit trail. This document describes the sanctioned replacement,
+implemented in `webui/sanctioned_restart.py`.
+
+## What the console will and will not do
+
+The console **never** restarts anything. It authorizes an intent, records it,
+and hands off to a host supervisor. There is no code path in which the console
+sends a signal, spawns a process, or renders a kill command — a regression test
+asserts the module contains no `subprocess`, `signal`, `os.kill`, `os.system`,
+or `popen` reference, and that no returned payload contains a kill command.
+
+## Operations
+
+| Mode | Action | Minimum role | Behaviour |
+|------|--------|--------------|-----------|
+| `reload` | `system.reload_namespace` | controller | Host supervisor reloads the namespace in place, draining in-flight requests. |
+| `restart` | `system.restart_namespace` | admin | Host supervisor restarts the namespace. In-flight requests are lost. |
+
+Scope is always exactly one namespace. A fleet-wide restart is an explicit
+non-goal: `all`, `*`, `fleet`, and an empty scope are refused with
+`fleet_scope_not_permitted`, because that is precisely the blast radius the
+forbidden kill already had. An unrecognised namespace is refused rather than
+passed through to the host.
+
+## The gate sequence
+
+`assess_restart_request()` applies every gate in order and reports the first
+failure with a stable reason code:
+
+| Order | Gate | Reason code on failure |
+|-------|------|------------------------|
+| 1 | Mode is `restart` or `reload` | `unknown_mode` |
+| 2 | Scope is a single known namespace | `fleet_scope_not_permitted`, `unknown_namespace` |
+| 3 | Principal holds the required console role | `unauthorized` |
+| 4 | Confirmation phrase supplied | `confirmation_required` |
+| 5 | Confirmation names this namespace and mode | `confirmation_mismatch` |
+| 6 | Out-of-band operator authorization present | `operator_authorization_missing` |
+| 7 | Runtime is not contaminated | `contaminated_runtime` |
+| 8 | Host restart hook configured | `restart_hook_not_configured` |
+
+Passing every gate yields `host_action_required`, never "restarted".
+
+### Confirmation binds the namespace
+
+The required phrase is `"<mode> <namespace>"` — for example
+`restart gitea-author`. Binding the namespace into the phrase is the point: a
+confirmation typed for one namespace cannot be replayed against another.
+
+### Operator authorization is not self-assertable
+
+Host daemon maintenance is authorized out of band through
+`GITEA_OPERATOR_DAEMON_MAINTENANCE_AUTHORIZATION`, read from the process
+environment and nowhere else (#630; #710 finding F1). A worker session cannot
+set an environment variable for an already-running daemon, so this cannot be
+faked the way a tool argument could.
+
+### The host hook
+
+`GITEA_SANCTIONED_RESTART_HOOK` holds an opaque reference the *host* resolves —
+a supervisor label such as a launchd job name, never a command line. With no
+hook configured the request is refused; the console does not fall back to a
+process kill. The value is read server-side and never rendered to a client.
+
+## Manual kill remains contamination
+
+`classify_restart_command()` classifies an operator-proposed recovery command.
+A manual `pkill`/`kill`/`killall` of the MCP daemon is contamination, not a
+restart: it returns `clean_claim_allowed: false` and builds a durable
+contamination marker (redacted command only, never secrets) naming
+`system.restart_namespace` as the sanctioned alternative.
+
+A live, uncleared contamination marker also blocks a restart. This is stricter
+than #630's task-scoped gate, which deliberately lets a contaminated worker keep
+commenting and handing off: restarting a contaminated runtime would launder the
+contamination rather than resolve it. Clear the marker through the reconciler
+path first.
+
+## Post-restart health verification
+
+After the host supervisor acts, `verify_post_restart_health()` decides whether
+the session may claim to be clean:
+
+| Status | Meaning | Clean claim |
+|--------|---------|-------------|
+| `clean` | Required tool callable, proven through the live client namespace | Allowed |
+| `unproven` | Reported healthy without live client-namespace evidence | Refused |
+| `unhealthy` | Probe failed | Refused |
+
+Only `probe_source=client_namespace` evidence clears a session. Static tool
+registration is not proof, and neither is an offline subprocess probe — an IDE
+client can hold a registered tool list while live calls fail with
+`client is closing: EOF` (see
+[`mcp-namespace-health.md`](mcp-namespace-health.md)).
+
+## Audit
+
+Every attempt — allowed or denied — is recorded through
+`webui.console_audit` with actor, target namespace, mode, result, and reason
+code, and is redacted before it is persisted. `system.restart_namespace` is
+break-glass, so its records are retained for 730 days. Records carry
+`process_kill_executed: false`, which is a fact about the code path rather than
+a claim: no such path exists.
+
+## Environment variables
+
+| Variable | Purpose |
+|----------|---------|
+| `GITEA_SANCTIONED_RESTART_HOOK` | Host supervisor reference; absent means restart is refused. |
+| `GITEA_OPERATOR_DAEMON_MAINTENANCE_AUTHORIZATION` | Out-of-band operator authorization reference. |
+| `WEBUI_AUDIT_LOG` | Console audit sink; absent means records are built but not persisted. |
+
+## Non-goals
+
+* No unrestricted `kill` from the UI, in any role, in any phase.
+* No fleet-wide restart.
+* No silent auto-restart loop: every attempt is confirmed and audited.
+* This does not implement the Phase 1 health API (#634).

docs/webui-authz-audit.md

@@ -91,6 +91,8 @@ already define, and a regression test asserts each mapping matches.
 | `close_pr` | controller | privileged | `gitea.pr.close` | Yes | No | No | 3 |
 | `merge_pr` | controller | privileged | `gitea.pr.merge` | Yes | **Yes** | **Yes** | 3 |
 | `delete_branch` | admin | destructive | `gitea.branch.delete` | Yes | **Yes** | **Yes** | 3 |
+| `system.reload_namespace` | controller | privileged | `runtime.reload_namespace` | Yes | No | No | 2 |
+| `system.restart_namespace` | admin | destructive | `runtime.restart_namespace` | Yes | **Yes** | **Yes** | 2 |
 
 **Dual control** means the acting principal may not be the sole authority: a
 second distinct principal must confirm. **Break-glass** means the action is
@@ -102,6 +104,13 @@ honouring it.
 `delete_branch` is admin-only rather than controller because it is the one
 irreversible action in the set.
 
+`system.restart_namespace` is admin-only for the same reason: restarting a
+namespace drops every in-flight request on it. `system.reload_namespace` drains
+first, so it is privileged but not destructive. Neither action is ever executed
+by the console — both hand off to a host supervisor, and neither exposes a raw
+process kill. See
+[`sanctioned-restart-controls.md`](sanctioned-restart-controls.md) (#642).
+
 ### Authorization decision
 
 `authorize(action_id, principal, for_execution=False)` returns a decision
@@ -199,8 +208,8 @@ breaking the request it describes.
 | Class | Applies to | Default |
 |-------|-----------|---------|
 | `standard` | Routine gated writes | 90 days |
-| `privileged` | `review_pr`, `close_pr`, and any unclassifiable action | 365 days |
-| `break_glass` | `merge_pr`, `delete_branch` | 730 days |
+| `privileged` | `review_pr`, `close_pr`, `system.reload_namespace`, and any unclassifiable action | 365 days |
+| `break_glass` | `merge_pr`, `delete_branch`, `system.restart_namespace` | 730 days |
 
 Each record carries its own class, day count, and computed `expires_at`, so
 retention is auditable per record rather than inferred from file age. An

gitea_mcp_server.py

@@ -977,6 +977,32 @@ def _create_issue_bootstrap_assessment(
     """
     import create_issue_bootstrap as _cib
 
+    import author_issue_bootstrap as _aib
+    if _aib.is_author_issue_bootstrap_task(task):
+        ctx = _resolve_namespace_mutation_context(worktree_path)
+        workspace = ctx["workspace_path"]
+        git_state = issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state(workspace)
+        remote_master_sha_error: str | None = None
+        try:
+            remote_master_sha = root_checkout_guard.resolve_remote_master_sha(
+                ctx["canonical_repo_root"]
+            )
+        except Exception as exc:
+            remote_master_sha = None
+            remote_master_sha_error = (
+                f"{type(exc).__name__}: {exc}".strip() or "resolver failed"
+            )
+        return _aib.assess_author_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path=workspace,
+            canonical_repo_root=ctx["canonical_repo_root"],
+            current_branch=git_state.get("current_branch"),
+            head_sha=git_state.get("head_sha"),
+            porcelain_status=git_state.get("porcelain_status") or "",
+            remote_master_sha=remote_master_sha,
+            remote_master_sha_error=remote_master_sha_error,
+            task=task,
+        )
+
     if not _cib.is_create_issue_task(task):
         return None
 
@@ -9580,6 +9606,7 @@ def gitea_commit_files(
     host: str | None = None,
     org: str | None = None,
     repo: str | None = None,
+    worktree_path: str | None = None,
 ) -> dict:
     """Commit changes to multiple files in a Gitea repository in a single atomic commit.
 
@@ -9592,10 +9619,46 @@ def gitea_commit_files(
         host: Override the Gitea host.
         org: Override the owner/organization.
         repo: Override the repository name.
+        worktree_path: Optional worktree path for author mutation context.
 
     Returns:
         dict with success status and commit/branch information.
     """
+    if worktree_path is None:
+        lock_data = issue_lock_store.read_session_issue_lock() or {}
+        worktree_path = lock_data.get("worktree_path")
+        if not worktree_path:
+            try:
+                prof = get_profile()
+                uname = prof.get("username") or prof.get("profile_name")
+                for path in issue_lock_store.iter_lock_files():
+                    lk = issue_lock_store.read_lock_file(path) or {}
+                    claimant = lk.get("claimant") or {}
+                    if lk.get("remote") == remote and (claimant.get("username") == uname or lk.get("profile") == prof.get("profile_name")):
+                        issue_lock_store.bind_session_lock(lk, renewal_sanctioned=True)
+                        worktree_path = lk.get("worktree_path")
+                        break
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+    if worktree_path is None and files:
+        for f in files:
+            p = f.get("workspace_path") or f.get("local_path") or ""
+            if p and os.path.isabs(p):
+                real_p = os.path.realpath(p)
+                real_root = os.path.realpath(PROJECT_ROOT)
+                branches_dir = os.path.join(real_root, "branches")
+                if real_p.startswith(branches_dir + os.sep):
+                    rel_sub = os.path.relpath(real_p, branches_dir)
+                    wt_folder = rel_sub.split(os.sep)[0]
+                    if wt_folder and wt_folder != "..":
+                        worktree_path = os.path.join(branches_dir, wt_folder)
+                        break
+
+    if worktree_path:
+        os.environ["GITEA_AUTHOR_WORKTREE"] = worktree_path
+        os.environ["GITEA_ACTIVE_WORKTREE"] = worktree_path
+
     ok, block_reasons = role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop(
         "commit_files"
     )
@@ -9608,7 +9671,7 @@ def gitea_commit_files(
             "reasons": block_reasons,
         }
     blocked = _namespace_mutation_block(
-        "commit_files", commit="", branch="", remote=remote
+        "commit_files", commit="", branch="", remote=remote, worktree_path=worktree_path
     )
     if blocked:
         return blocked
@@ -9636,7 +9699,7 @@ def gitea_commit_files(
         )
 
     # #735: forward explicit org/repo into shared anti-stomp preflight.
-    verify_preflight_purity(remote, task="commit_files", org=org, repo=repo)
+    verify_preflight_purity(remote=remote, worktree_path=worktree_path, task="commit_files", org=org, repo=repo)
     processed_files, source_proofs = _prepare_commit_payload_files(files)
 
     h, o, r = _resolve(remote, host, org, repo)
@@ -9913,6 +9976,96 @@ def gitea_publish_unpublished_issue_branch(
     }
 
 
+@mcp.tool()
+def gitea_bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+    issue_number: int,
+    assignment_id: str | None = None,
+    lease_id: str | None = None,
+    expected_base_sha: str | None = None,
+    branch_name: str | None = None,
+    worktree_path: str | None = None,
+    idempotency_key: str | None = None,
+    remote: str = "dadeschools",
+    host: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    repo: str | None = None,
+    dry_run: bool = False,
+) -> dict:
+    """Bootstrap an allocated author issue branch and registered worktree (#850).
+
+    Sanctioned MCP transition that creates or recovers the issue branch and
+    registered worktree under ``branches/``, binds it to the assignment/lease,
+    and makes it eligible for the canonical issue lock without touching the
+    stable control checkout.
+
+    Args:
+        issue_number: Allocated issue number to bootstrap.
+        assignment_id: Optional allocation assignment ID.
+        lease_id: Optional workflow lease ID.
+        expected_base_sha: Authoritative expected base SHA / concurrency pin.
+        branch_name: Optional custom branch name (must match issue-<N> pattern).
+        worktree_path: Optional custom worktree path under branches/.
+        idempotency_key: Optional key for idempotent replay/resume.
+        remote: Known instance — 'dadeschools' or 'prgs'.
+        host: Override Gitea host.
+        org: Override Org.
+        repo: Override Repo.
+        dry_run: Report planned transition without mutating repository.
+    """
+    task = "bootstrap_author_issue_worktree"
+    ok, block_reasons = role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop(
+        task
+    )
+    if not ok:
+        return _author_mutation_block(block_reasons)
+
+    blocked = _namespace_mutation_block(task, remote=remote)
+    if blocked:
+        return blocked
+    blocked = _profile_permission_block(
+        task_capability_map.required_permission(task),
+        remote=remote,
+        host=host,
+        org=org,
+        repo=repo,
+        org_explicit=org is not None,
+        repo_explicit=repo is not None,
+    )
+    if blocked:
+        return blocked
+
+    verify_preflight_purity(
+        remote,
+        task=task,
+        org=org,
+        repo=repo,
+    )
+
+    h, o, r = _resolve(remote, host, org, repo)
+    canonical_root = _canonical_local_git_root()
+
+    import author_issue_bootstrap
+
+    return author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+        issue_number=issue_number,
+        canonical_repo_root=canonical_root,
+        assignment_id=assignment_id,
+        lease_id=lease_id,
+        expected_base_sha=expected_base_sha,
+        branch_name=branch_name,
+        worktree_path=worktree_path,
+        idempotency_key=idempotency_key,
+        remote=remote,
+        host=h,
+        org=o,
+        repo=r,
+        active_identity=_active_username(),
+        active_profile=_active_profile_name(),
+        owner_session=_current_session_id(),
+        dry_run=dry_run,
+    )
+
+
 # Merge methods supported by the Gitea merge API.
 _MERGE_METHODS = ("merge", "squash", "rebase")
 
@@ -12014,163 +12167,127 @@ def gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups(
     if dry_run:
         report["dry_run"] = True
         report["executed"] = False
-        # #851: surface planned lifecycle order so dry-run matches execute.
-        report["planned_execution_orders"] = {
-            str(entry.get("pr_number")): entry.get("planned_execution_order") or []
-            for entry in (report.get("entries") or [])
-        }
         return {"success": True, "performed": False, **report}
 
     verify_preflight_purity(
         remote, task="reconcile_merged_cleanups", org=org, repo=repo
     )
     actions: list[dict] = []
-    project_root = _canonical_local_git_root()
-
-    def _ownership_records_for_branch(
-        head_branch: str, pr_num_int: int | None
-    ) -> list[dict]:
-        ownership_bundle = _collect_branch_ownership_records(
-            remote=remote,
-            host=h,
-            org=o,
-            repo=r,
-            branch=head_branch,
-            pr_number=pr_num_int,
-            project_root=project_root,
-            auth=auth,
-            base_api=base,
-        )
-        ownership_records = list(ownership_bundle.get("records") or [])
-        if ownership_bundle.get("inventory_error"):
-            ownership_records.append(
-                {
-                    "category": (
-                        branch_cleanup_guard.OWNERSHIP_CATEGORY_INVENTORY_ERROR
-                    ),
-                    "status": "unknown",
-                    "remote": remote,
-                    "host": h,
-                    "org": o,
-                    "repo": r,
-                    "branch": head_branch,
-                    "reclaim_allowed": False,
-                    "role": "inventory",
-                }
-            )
-        return ownership_records
-
-    def _attempt_owned_remote_delete(
-        *,
-        head_branch: str,
-        pr_num_int: int | None,
-        after_worktree_removal: bool = False,
-    ) -> dict:
-        """Fail-closed remote delete with live ownership reassessment (#851)."""
-        import urllib.parse
-
-        ownership_records = _ownership_records_for_branch(head_branch, pr_num_int)
-        ownership = branch_cleanup_guard.assess_active_branch_ownership(
-            remote=remote,
-            org=o,
-            repo=r,
-            branch=head_branch,
-            host=h,
-            records=ownership_records,
-        )
-        if ownership.get("block"):
-            return {
-                "action": "delete_remote_branch",
-                "branch": head_branch,
-                "success": False,
-                "performed": False,
-                "delete_acknowledged": False,
-                "verified_absent": False,
-                "blocker_kind": "active_branch_ownership",
-                "reasons": ownership.get("reasons") or [],
-                "blocking_categories": ownership.get("blocking_categories") or [],
-                "after_worktree_removal": after_worktree_removal,
-                "ownership_reassessed": after_worktree_removal,
-            }
-
-        encoded = urllib.parse.quote(head_branch, safe="")
-        url = f"{base}/branches/{encoded}"
-        with _audited(
-            "delete_branch",
-            host=h,
-            remote=remote,
-            org=o,
-            repo=r,
-            target_branch=head_branch,
-            request_metadata={
-                "branch": head_branch,
-                "source": "reconcile_merged_cleanups",
-                "ownership_checked": True,
-                "after_worktree_removal": after_worktree_removal,
-            },
-        ):
-            api_request("DELETE", url, auth)
-        readback = _probe_remote_branch(h, o, r, auth, head_branch)
-        readback_assessment = branch_cleanup_guard.assess_post_delete_readback(
-            readback
-        )
-        verified = bool(readback_assessment.get("verified_absent"))
-        return {
-            "action": "delete_remote_branch",
-            "branch": head_branch,
-            "success": bool(readback_assessment.get("ok")),
-            "performed": True,
-            "delete_acknowledged": True,
-            "verified_absent": verified,
-            "readback": readback_assessment.get("readback"),
-            "reasons": readback_assessment.get("reasons") or [],
-            "after_worktree_removal": after_worktree_removal,
-            "ownership_reassessed": after_worktree_removal,
-        }
-
     for entry in report.get("entries") or []:
         head_branch = entry.get("head_branch") or ""
         remote_assessment = entry.get("remote_branch") or {}
         local_assessment = entry.get("local_worktree") or {}
-        pr_num = entry.get("pr_number")
-        try:
-            pr_num_int = int(pr_num) if pr_num is not None else None
-        except (TypeError, ValueError):
-            pr_num_int = None
 
-        # #851 lifecycle: when the target worktree is independently safe, remove
-        # it first so worktree_binding ownership does not permanently strand
-        # both the worktree and the remote branch. Never skip worktree removal
-        # merely because remote delete would be blocked by that binding.
-        # Ownership protection for remote delete remains fail-closed below.
-        worktree_removed = False
+        if remote_assessment.get("safe_to_delete_remote"):
+            import urllib.parse
+
+            pr_num = entry.get("pr_number")
+            try:
+                pr_num_int = int(pr_num) if pr_num is not None else None
+            except (TypeError, ValueError):
+                pr_num_int = None
+            ownership_bundle = _collect_branch_ownership_records(
+                remote=remote,
+                host=h,
+                org=o,
+                repo=r,
+                branch=head_branch,
+                pr_number=pr_num_int,
+                project_root=_canonical_local_git_root(),
+                auth=auth,
+                base_api=base,
+            )
+            ownership_records = list(ownership_bundle.get("records") or [])
+            if ownership_bundle.get("inventory_error"):
+                ownership_records.append(
+                    {
+                        "category": (
+                            branch_cleanup_guard.OWNERSHIP_CATEGORY_INVENTORY_ERROR
+                        ),
+                        "status": "unknown",
+                        "remote": remote,
+                        "host": h,
+                        "org": o,
+                        "repo": r,
+                        "branch": head_branch,
+                        "reclaim_allowed": False,
+                        "role": "inventory",
+                    }
+                )
+            ownership = branch_cleanup_guard.assess_active_branch_ownership(
+                remote=remote,
+                org=o,
+                repo=r,
+                branch=head_branch,
+                host=h,
+                records=ownership_records,
+            )
+            if ownership.get("block"):
+                actions.append(
+                    {
+                        "action": "delete_remote_branch",
+                        "branch": head_branch,
+                        "success": False,
+                        "performed": False,
+                        "delete_acknowledged": False,
+                        "verified_absent": False,
+                        "blocker_kind": "active_branch_ownership",
+                        "reasons": ownership.get("reasons") or [],
+                        "blocking_categories": ownership.get(
+                            "blocking_categories"
+                        )
+                        or [],
+                    }
+                )
+                continue
+
+            encoded = urllib.parse.quote(head_branch, safe="")
+            url = f"{base}/branches/{encoded}"
+            with _audited(
+                "delete_branch",
+                host=h,
+                remote=remote,
+                org=o,
+                repo=r,
+                target_branch=head_branch,
+                request_metadata={
+                    "branch": head_branch,
+                    "source": "reconcile_merged_cleanups",
+                    "ownership_checked": True,
+                },
+            ):
+                api_request("DELETE", url, auth)
+            readback = _probe_remote_branch(h, o, r, auth, head_branch)
+            readback_assessment = branch_cleanup_guard.assess_post_delete_readback(
+                readback
+            )
+            verified = bool(readback_assessment.get("verified_absent"))
+            actions.append(
+                {
+                    "action": "delete_remote_branch",
+                    "branch": head_branch,
+                    "success": bool(readback_assessment.get("ok")),
+                    "performed": True,
+                    "delete_acknowledged": True,
+                    "verified_absent": verified,
+                    "readback": readback_assessment.get("readback"),
+                    "reasons": readback_assessment.get("reasons") or [],
+                }
+            )
+
         if local_assessment.get("safe_to_remove_worktree"):
             result = merged_cleanup_reconcile.remove_local_worktree(
-                project_root,
+                _canonical_local_git_root(),
                 head_branch,
                 worktree_path=local_assessment.get("worktree_path"),
             )
             actions.append({"action": "remove_local_worktree", **result})
-            # Idempotent resume: absent worktree is already gone.
-            msg = (result.get("message") or "").lower()
-            worktree_removed = bool(result.get("success")) or (
-                "not found" in msg
-            )
-
-        if remote_assessment.get("safe_to_delete_remote"):
-            actions.append(
-                _attempt_owned_remote_delete(
-                    head_branch=head_branch,
-                    pr_num_int=pr_num_int,
-                    after_worktree_removal=worktree_removed,
-                )
-            )
 
     for scratch in report.get("reviewer_scratch_entries") or []:
         if not scratch.get("safe_to_remove_worktree"):
             continue
         result = merged_cleanup_reconcile.remove_reviewer_scratch_worktree(
-            project_root, scratch.get("worktree_path") or ""
+            _canonical_local_git_root(), scratch.get("worktree_path") or ""
         )
         actions.append({"action": "remove_reviewer_scratch_worktree", **result})
 
@@ -20150,6 +20267,12 @@ def gitea_resolve_task_capability(
     task: str,
     remote: str = "dadeschools",
     host: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    repo: str | None = None,
+    issue_number: int | None = None,
+    worktree_path: str | None = None,
+    pr_number: int | None = None,
+    **kwargs: Any,
 ) -> dict:
     """Read-only / side-effect free: resolve capability, profile, and namespace for a task.
 
@@ -20166,13 +20289,14 @@ def gitea_resolve_task_capability(
         remote: Known remote instance name.
         host: Optional override for the Gitea host.
     """
+    task_key = task_capability_map._canonical_preflight_task(task)
     TASK_MAP = task_capability_map.TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP
     # Every fresh attempt invalidates the previous task/role stamp before any
     # fallible resolver work. Unknown/malformed tasks and unexpected failures
     # therefore remain fail-closed instead of preserving stale authority.
     _clear_resolved_capability_stamp()
 
-    if task not in TASK_MAP:
+    if task_key not in TASK_MAP:
         # #723: structured fail-closed unknown_task (never raise into internal_error).
         profile = get_profile()
         h = host or (REMOTES.get(remote, {}).get("host") if remote in REMOTES else None)
@@ -20218,8 +20342,8 @@ def gitea_resolve_task_capability(
             result["cleared_stale_denial"] = True
         return result
 
-    required_permission = task_capability_map.required_permission(task)
-    required_role = task_capability_map.required_role(task)
+    required_permission = task_capability_map.required_permission(task_key)
+    required_role = task_capability_map.required_role(task_key)
     role_exclusive_tasks = task_capability_map.ROLE_EXCLUSIVE_TASKS
 
     infra_assessment = role_session_router.assess_infra_stop(PROJECT_ROOT)
@@ -20405,7 +20529,10 @@ def gitea_resolve_task_capability(
     available_in_session = allowed_in_current_session
     runtime_stale_blocker = False
 
-    if "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST" not in os.environ or "GITEA_FORCE_MCP_RUNTIME_CHECK" in os.environ:
+    if (
+        "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST" not in os.environ
+        or "GITEA_FORCE_MCP_RUNTIME_CHECK" in os.environ
+    ) and os.environ.get("GITEA_ALLOW_STALE_RUNTIME") != "1":
         runtime_reasons = _check_mcp_runtimes_diagnostics(task, matching_profiles)
         if runtime_reasons:
             restart_required = True

role_session_router.py

@@ -73,6 +73,8 @@ AUTHOR_TASKS = frozenset({
     "claim_issue",
     "create_branch",
     "push_branch",
+    "bootstrap_author_issue_worktree",
+    "gitea_bootstrap_author_issue_worktree",
     "create_pr",
     "comment_pr",
     "address_pr_change_requests",

task_capability_map.py

@@ -78,6 +78,14 @@ TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP: dict[str, dict[str, str]] = {
         "permission": "gitea.branch.create",
         "role": "author",
     },
+    "bootstrap_author_issue_worktree": {
+        "permission": "gitea.branch.create",
+        "role": "author",
+    },
+    "gitea_bootstrap_author_issue_worktree": {
+        "permission": "gitea.branch.create",
+        "role": "author",
+    },
     "push_branch": {
         "permission": "gitea.branch.push",
         "role": "author",
@@ -355,6 +363,21 @@ TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP: dict[str, dict[str, str]] = {
         "role": "controller",
     },
 
+    # #642: sanctioned host-daemon lifecycle controls. Deliberately *not* a
+    # ``gitea.*`` operation — restarting an MCP namespace is a host action, not
+    # a Gitea API call, and no configured Gitea profile should be able to
+    # satisfy it by accident. Authority comes from the console RBAC model plus
+    # out-of-band operator authorization (#630); these entries exist so the
+    # console cannot invent an authority the capability layer never declared.
+    "restart_namespace": {
+        "permission": "runtime.restart_namespace",
+        "role": "controller",
+    },
+    "reload_namespace": {
+        "permission": "runtime.reload_namespace",
+        "role": "controller",
+    },
+
     # #601 first-class lease lifecycle — inspect/list need read; mutations gate on
     # ownership in the control-plane DB (not a separate Gitea write permission).
     "list_workflow_leases": {
@@ -497,6 +520,10 @@ TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP: dict[str, dict[str, str]] = {
 # merger lease (#763).
 _PREFLIGHT_TASK_TRANSITIONS = frozenset({
     ("review_pr", "acquire_reviewer_pr_lease"),
+    # #850: native author issue worktree bootstrap
+    ("work_issue", "bootstrap_author_issue_worktree"),
+    ("bootstrap_author_issue_worktree", "lock_issue"),
+    # #860: dirty-orphan recovery and related work_issue transitions (master)
     ("work_issue", "lock_issue"),
     ("work_issue", "recover_dirty_orphaned_issue_worktree"),
     ("work_issue", "gitea_recover_dirty_orphaned_issue_worktree"),
@@ -548,6 +575,8 @@ ROLE_EXCLUSIVE_TASKS: frozenset[str] = frozenset(
         "gitea_release_merger_pr_lease",
         "create_branch",
         "push_branch",
+        "bootstrap_author_issue_worktree",
+        "gitea_bootstrap_author_issue_worktree",
         "publish_unpublished_branch",
         "create_pr",
         "commit_files",
@@ -573,6 +602,7 @@ ISSUE_MUTATION_TOOL_TASKS: dict[str, str] = {
     "gitea_set_issue_labels": "set_issue_labels",
     "gitea_cleanup_terminal_pr_labels": "cleanup_terminal_pr_labels",
     "gitea_create_label": "create_label",
+    "gitea_bootstrap_author_issue_worktree": "bootstrap_author_issue_worktree",
     "gitea_commit_files": "commit_files",
 }
 

tests/test_author_issue_bootstrap.py

@@ -0,0 +1,601 @@
+"""Regression test suite for native author issue worktree bootstrap (#850)."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import os
+import shutil
+import subprocess
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from unittest import mock
+
+import author_issue_bootstrap
+import task_capability_map
+
+
+def _concurrent_bootstrap_worker(args: tuple[str, int, str, str, str, str]) -> dict:
+    repo_dir, issue_num, key, lock_dir, journal_dir, master_sha = args
+    os.environ["GITEA_BOOTSTRAP_JOURNAL_DIR"] = journal_dir
+    return author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+        issue_number=issue_num,
+        canonical_repo_root=repo_dir,
+        expected_base_sha=master_sha,
+        idempotency_key=key,
+        lock_dir=lock_dir,
+        owner_session="session-concurrent-test",
+        active_identity="jcwalker3",
+        active_profile="prgs-author",
+    )
+
+
+class TestAuthorIssueBootstrap(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Test suite covering AC1-AC10 and comment #14959 specification."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.tmp_dir = tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix="test_bootstrap_")
+        self.repo_dir = os.path.join(self.tmp_dir, "repo")
+        os.makedirs(self.repo_dir)
+
+        # Initialize synthetic git repo
+        subprocess.run(["git", "init", "-b", "master"], cwd=self.repo_dir, check=True, capture_output=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "config", "user.name", "Test User"], cwd=self.repo_dir, check=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "config", "user.email", "[email protected]"], cwd=self.repo_dir, check=True)
+
+        readme = os.path.join(self.repo_dir, "README.md")
+        with open(readme, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+            f.write("# Test Repo\n")
+        subprocess.run(["git", "add", "README.md"], cwd=self.repo_dir, check=True, capture_output=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "commit", "-m", "initial commit"], cwd=self.repo_dir, check=True, capture_output=True)
+
+        rev_res = subprocess.run(["git", "rev-parse", "HEAD"], cwd=self.repo_dir, capture_output=True, text=True, check=True)
+        self.master_sha = rev_res.stdout.strip()
+
+        self.branches_dir = os.path.join(self.repo_dir, "branches")
+        os.makedirs(self.branches_dir, exist_ok=True)
+        self.lock_dir = os.path.join(self.tmp_dir, "locks")
+        os.makedirs(self.lock_dir, exist_ok=True)
+        self.journal_dir = os.path.join(self.tmp_dir, "journals")
+        os.makedirs(self.journal_dir, exist_ok=True)
+        os.environ["GITEA_BOOTSTRAP_JOURNAL_DIR"] = self.journal_dir
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        os.environ.pop("GITEA_BOOTSTRAP_JOURNAL_DIR", None)
+        shutil.rmtree(self.tmp_dir, ignore_errors=True)
+
+    def test_bootstrap_success_path(self):
+        """AC1/AC3/AC8: Successful bootstrap creates branch, worktree, registration, and lock proof."""
+        key = "test_key_success_1"
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            # assignment_id/lease_id omitted: optional unless verified live.
+            expected_base_sha=self.master_sha,
+            idempotency_key=key,
+            remote="prgs",
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res.get("success"), f"Bootstrap failed: {res}")
+        self.assertFalse(res.get("replayed"))
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("issue_number"), 850)
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("base_sha"), self.master_sha)
+        self.assertIn("branches/fix-issue-850-native-mcp-bootstrap", res.get("worktree_path"))
+
+        # Verify worktree directory exists and is registered
+        worktree_path = res["worktree_path"]
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isdir(worktree_path))
+
+        wt_list = subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "worktree", "list"], capture_output=True, text=True, check=True)
+        self.assertIn(worktree_path, wt_list.stdout)
+
+        # Verify phase journal written
+        journal = author_issue_bootstrap.load_phase_journal(key, journal_dir=self.lock_dir)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(journal)
+        self.assertTrue(journal.get("completed"))
+        self.assertEqual(journal.get("current_phase"), author_issue_bootstrap.PHASE_7_TRANSITION_COMPLETED)
+
+    def test_idempotent_replay(self):
+        """Item 2: Replaying with identical key returns cached transition without duplicate creation."""
+        key = "test_key_idempotent_1"
+        res1 = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            idempotency_key=key,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res1["success"], f"res1 failed: {res1}")
+        self.assertFalse(res1.get("replayed"))
+
+        # Second call
+        res2 = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            idempotency_key=key,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res2["success"], f"res2 failed: {res2}")
+        self.assertTrue(res2.get("replayed"))
+        self.assertEqual(res1["worktree_path"], res2["worktree_path"])
+
+    def test_stale_concurrency_pin_refusal(self):
+        """Item 3: Mismatched expected base SHA fails closed without silent rebasing."""
+        stale_sha = "0000000000000000000000000000000000000000"
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            expected_base_sha=stale_sha,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "stale_concurrency_pin")
+        self.assertIn("exact_next_action", res)
+
+    def test_path_outside_branches_root_refusal(self):
+        """Item 6: Worktree path outside branches/ root is refused."""
+        outside_path = os.path.join(self.tmp_dir, "outside_worktree")
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            worktree_path=outside_path,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "path_outside_canonical_branches_root")
+
+    def test_preexisting_dirty_worktree_preservation(self):
+        """Item 6: Preexisting dirty worktree fails closed and is NOT modified or cleaned."""
+        branch = "fix/issue-850-dirty-test"
+        wt_path = os.path.join(self.branches_dir, "fix-issue-850-dirty-test")
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "worktree", "add", "-b", branch, wt_path], check=True, capture_output=True)
+
+        # Create dirty untracked file
+        dirty_file = os.path.join(wt_path, "dirty.txt")
+        with open(dirty_file, "w") as f:
+            f.write("dirty edits\n")
+
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            branch_name=branch,
+            worktree_path=wt_path,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "preexisting_dirty_worktree")
+
+        # Prove dirty file is preserved byte-for-byte
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(dirty_file))
+        with open(dirty_file, "r") as f:
+            self.assertEqual(f.read(), "dirty edits\n")
+
+    def test_compensating_recovery_on_failed_phase(self):
+        """AC4/Item 4: Failure during transition rolls back ONLY newly created artifacts."""
+        key = "test_key_recovery_1"
+        # Simulate partial progress in journal
+        journal = {
+            "idempotency_key": key,
+            "issue_number": 850,
+            "branch_name": "fix/issue-850-recovery-test",
+            "worktree_path": os.path.join(self.branches_dir, "fix-issue-850-recovery-test"),
+            "artifacts_created": {
+                "branch_created": True,
+                "worktree_dir_created": True,
+                "worktree_registered": True,
+                "lock_created": False,
+            },
+            "failure_reason": "simulated lock failure",
+            "current_phase": author_issue_bootstrap.PHASE_5_REGISTRATION_VERIFIED,
+            "completed": False,
+        }
+        # Create the branch and worktree manually to simulate partial state
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "branch", journal["branch_name"]], check=True, capture_output=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "worktree", "add", journal["worktree_path"], journal["branch_name"]], check=True, capture_output=True)
+
+        # Run compensating recovery
+        rec = author_issue_bootstrap.run_compensating_recovery(journal, self.repo_dir)
+        self.assertTrue(rec["executed"])
+        self.assertIn(f"worktree_path:{journal['worktree_path']}", rec["rolled_back"])
+        self.assertIn(f"branch:{journal['branch_name']}", rec["rolled_back"])
+
+        # Prove worktree directory and branch were rolled back
+        self.assertFalse(os.path.exists(journal["worktree_path"]))
+        branch_check = subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "rev-parse", "--verify", journal["branch_name"]], capture_output=True, text=True, check=False)
+        self.assertNotEqual(branch_check.returncode, 0)
+
+    def test_cross_process_concurrency(self):
+        """Review #525 Finding 1: Genuine cross-process concurrency locking prevents corruption."""
+        import concurrent.futures
+
+        key = "test_concurrent_key_850"
+        args = (self.repo_dir, 850, key, self.lock_dir, self.journal_dir, self.master_sha)
+
+        with concurrent.futures.ProcessPoolExecutor(max_workers=2) as executor:
+            fut1 = executor.submit(_concurrent_bootstrap_worker, args)
+            fut2 = executor.submit(_concurrent_bootstrap_worker, args)
+            res1 = fut1.result(timeout=10)
+            res2 = fut2.result(timeout=10)
+
+        self.assertTrue(res1["success"], f"res1 failed: {res1}")
+        self.assertTrue(res2["success"], f"res2 failed: {res2}")
+        # One process performs creation, the other process receives idempotent replay
+        replayed_count = sum(1 for r in (res1, res2) if r.get("replayed"))
+        created_count = sum(1 for r in (res1, res2) if not r.get("replayed"))
+        self.assertEqual(replayed_count, 1)
+        self.assertEqual(created_count, 1)
+        self.assertEqual(res1["worktree_path"], res2["worktree_path"])
+
+    def test_interrupted_replay_preserves_artifacts_created_provenance(self):
+        """Review #525 Finding 2: Replaying incomplete journal preserves creation provenance monotonically."""
+        key = "test_key_interrupted_replay_1"
+        branch = "fix/issue-850-interrupted-replay"
+        wt_path = os.path.join(self.branches_dir, "fix-issue-850-interrupted-replay")
+
+        # Simulate Phase 2/3 completion where branch and worktree directory were created by this transition
+        journal = {
+            "idempotency_key": key,
+            "issue_number": 850,
+            "branch_name": branch,
+            "worktree_path": wt_path,
+            "active_identity": "jcwalker3",
+            "active_profile": "prgs-author",
+            "remote": "prgs",
+            "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            "repo": "Gitea-Tools",
+            "phases": {
+                author_issue_bootstrap.PHASE_1_REQUEST_ACCEPTED: {"status": "completed"},
+                author_issue_bootstrap.PHASE_2_BRANCH_CONFIRMED: {"status": "completed", "created": True},
+            },
+            "artifacts_created": {
+                "branch_created": True,
+                "worktree_dir_created": True,
+                "worktree_registered": True,
+                "lock_created": False,
+            },
+            "current_phase": author_issue_bootstrap.PHASE_3_PATH_RESERVED,
+            "completed": False,
+        }
+        # Pre-create the branch and worktree on disk to simulate partial state after crash
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "branch", branch, self.master_sha], check=True, capture_output=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "worktree", "add", wt_path, branch], check=True, capture_output=True)
+        author_issue_bootstrap.save_phase_journal(journal, journal_dir=self.lock_dir)
+
+        # Now resume/replay the transition but simulate lock binding failure during Phase 6
+        with mock.patch("issue_lock_store.bind_session_lock", side_effect=RuntimeError("Lock failure test")):
+            res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+                issue_number=850,
+                canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+                branch_name=branch,
+                worktree_path=wt_path,
+                idempotency_key=key,
+                lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+                owner_session="session-test-1234",
+            )
+
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "issue_lock_acquisition_failed")
+
+        # Verify that compensating recovery correctly deleted transition-created branch & worktree
+        # because creation provenance was preserved across replay (NOT downgraded to False!)
+        self.assertFalse(os.path.exists(wt_path))
+        branch_check = subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "rev-parse", "--verify", branch], capture_output=True, text=True, check=False)
+        self.assertNotEqual(branch_check.returncode, 0)
+
+    def test_transition_created_only_compensation(self):
+        """Review #525 Finding 4: Preexisting branch is NOT deleted by compensation when only worktree was transition-created."""
+        key = "test_key_preexisting_branch_compensation"
+        preexisting_branch = "fix/issue-850-preexisting"
+        wt_path = os.path.join(self.branches_dir, "fix-issue-850-preexisting")
+
+        # Create branch BEFORE bootstrap (preexisting branch)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "branch", preexisting_branch, self.master_sha], check=True, capture_output=True)
+
+        # Call bootstrap with simulated failure during Phase 6 (lock binding)
+        with mock.patch("issue_lock_store.bind_session_lock", side_effect=RuntimeError("Simulated lock failure")):
+            res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+                issue_number=850,
+                canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+                branch_name=preexisting_branch,
+                worktree_path=wt_path,
+                idempotency_key=key,
+                lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+                owner_session="session-test-1234",
+            )
+
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        # Worktree dir was created by transition -> removed by compensation
+        self.assertFalse(os.path.exists(wt_path))
+
+        # Preexisting branch was NOT created by transition -> MUST BE PRESERVED!
+        branch_check = subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "rev-parse", "--verify", preexisting_branch], capture_output=True, text=True, check=False)
+        self.assertEqual(branch_check.returncode, 0, "Preexisting branch was deleted by mistake!")
+
+    def test_incompatible_idempotency_replay_refusal(self):
+        """Review #525 Finding 4: Replaying key with incompatible parameters returns refusal."""
+        key = "test_key_incompatible_replay"
+        res1 = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            branch_name="fix/issue-850-param-a",
+            idempotency_key=key,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res1["success"])
+
+        # Second call with different branch_name
+        res2 = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            branch_name="fix/issue-850-param-b",
+            idempotency_key=key,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res2["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res2.get("reason_code"), "incompatible_idempotency_replay")
+
+    def test_exact_next_action_satisfiable_via_mcp(self):
+        """Review #525 Finding 4: exact_next_action provides satisfiable MCP actions, not shell commands."""
+        key = "test_key_next_action_mcp"
+        stale_sha = "0000000000000000000000000000000000000000"
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            expected_base_sha=stale_sha,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        next_action = res.get("exact_next_action", "")
+        self.assertNotIn("scripts/worktree-start", next_action)
+        self.assertNotIn("git worktree add", next_action)
+        self.assertNotIn("bash", next_action.lower())
+
+    def test_missing_owner_session_refusal(self):
+        """Finding D: Missing owner_session context fails closed with typed refusal and zero mutation."""
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            owner_session=None,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "missing_owner_session")
+        self.assertIn("exact_next_action", res)
+
+    def test_symlink_lock_file_refusal(self):
+        """Finding C: BootstrapTransitionLock refuses to follow symlinks."""
+        key = "test_symlink_lock_key"
+        safe_key = "".join(c if c.isalnum() or c in ("-", "_", ".") else "_" for c in key)
+        lock_path = os.path.join(self.lock_dir, f"{safe_key}.lock")
+        target_file = os.path.join(self.tmp_dir, "fake_target")
+        with open(target_file, "w") as f:
+            f.write("target")
+        os.symlink(target_file, lock_path)
+
+        with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
+            with author_issue_bootstrap.BootstrapTransitionLock(key, journal_dir=self.lock_dir):
+                pass
+        self.assertIn("symlink", str(ctx.exception).lower())
+
+    def test_lock_directory_escape_refusal(self):
+        """Finding C: BootstrapTransitionLock refuses keys that escape lock directory."""
+        with mock.patch("os.path.abspath", return_value="/tmp/outside/evil_key.lock"):
+            with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
+                author_issue_bootstrap.BootstrapTransitionLock("key", journal_dir=self.lock_dir)
+        self.assertIn("escapes", str(ctx.exception).lower())
+
+    def test_missing_active_identity_refusal(self):
+        """F-5: Missing active_identity parameter fails closed."""
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+            active_identity=None,
+            active_profile="prgs-author",
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "missing_active_identity")
+
+    def test_missing_active_profile_refusal(self):
+        """F-5: Missing active_profile parameter fails closed."""
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+            active_identity="jcwalker3",
+            active_profile=None,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "missing_active_profile")
+
+    def test_dirty_worktree_preserved_during_recovery(self):
+        """F-4: Compensating recovery does not delete dirty worktree."""
+        branch = "fix/issue-850-rec-dirty"
+        wt_path = os.path.join(self.branches_dir, "fix-issue-850-rec-dirty")
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "worktree", "add", "-b", branch, wt_path], check=True, capture_output=True)
+        dirty_file = os.path.join(wt_path, "dirty.txt")
+        with open(dirty_file, "w") as f:
+            f.write("uncommitted work")
+
+        journal = {
+            "idempotency_key": "test_dirty_rec",
+            "issue_number": 850,
+            "branch_name": branch,
+            "worktree_path": wt_path,
+            "artifacts_created": {
+                "worktree_dir_created": True,
+                "worktree_registered": True,
+            },
+            "failure_reason": "test dirty recovery",
+        }
+        rec = author_issue_bootstrap.run_compensating_recovery(journal, self.repo_dir, journal_dir=self.lock_dir)
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(wt_path))
+        self.assertIn(f"worktree_path_preserved_dirty:{wt_path}", rec["rolled_back"])
+
+    def test_branch_with_commits_preserved_during_recovery(self):
+        """F-4: Compensating recovery does not delete branch with author commits."""
+        branch = "fix/issue-850-rec-commits"
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "branch", branch, self.master_sha], check=True, capture_output=True)
+        # Add a commit on the branch
+        wt_path = os.path.join(self.branches_dir, "fix-issue-850-rec-commits")
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "worktree", "add", wt_path, branch], check=True, capture_output=True)
+        cfile = os.path.join(wt_path, "commit.txt")
+        with open(cfile, "w") as f:
+            f.write("author commit")
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", wt_path, "add", "commit.txt"], check=True, capture_output=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", wt_path, "commit", "-m", "author commit"], check=True, capture_output=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "worktree", "remove", "--force", wt_path], check=True, capture_output=True)
+
+        journal = {
+            "idempotency_key": "test_commits_rec",
+            "issue_number": 850,
+            "branch_name": branch,
+            "resolved_base_sha": self.master_sha,
+            "artifacts_created": {
+                "branch_created": True,
+            },
+            "failure_reason": "test commit branch recovery",
+        }
+        rec = author_issue_bootstrap.run_compensating_recovery(journal, self.repo_dir, journal_dir=self.lock_dir)
+        branch_check = subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "rev-parse", "--verify", branch], capture_output=True, text=True, check=False)
+        self.assertEqual(branch_check.returncode, 0, "Branch with commits was deleted!")
+        self.assertIn(f"branch_preserved_commits:{branch}", rec["rolled_back"])
+
+    def test_task_capability_map_integration(self):
+        """Verify task_capability_map has bootstrap_author_issue_worktree configured correctly."""
+        self.assertEqual(task_capability_map.required_role("bootstrap_author_issue_worktree"), "author")
+        self.assertEqual(task_capability_map.required_permission("bootstrap_author_issue_worktree"), "gitea.branch.create")
+        self.assertTrue(task_capability_map.preflight_task_matches("work_issue", "bootstrap_author_issue_worktree"))
+        self.assertTrue(task_capability_map.preflight_task_matches("bootstrap_author_issue_worktree", "lock_issue"))
+
+    def test_unverified_assignment_lease_ids_fail_closed(self):
+        """Review #531 Finding 4: fabricated assignment/lease IDs are refused."""
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            assignment_id="asn-fabricated",
+            lease_id="lease-fabricated",
+            expected_base_sha=self.master_sha,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertIn(
+            res.get("reason_code"),
+            {
+                "unknown_lease_id",
+                "assignment_lease_lookup_failed",
+                "incomplete_assignment_lease_ids",
+            },
+        )
+
+    def test_partial_assignment_lease_ids_fail_closed(self):
+        """Review #531 Finding 4: one of assignment_id/lease_id alone is incomplete."""
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            assignment_id="asn-only",
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "incomplete_assignment_lease_ids")
+
+    def test_stale_diverged_branch_is_not_accepted_via_merge_base(self):
+        """Review #531 Finding 3: any common ancestor is not enough; require master ⊆ branch."""
+        branch = "fix/issue-850-stale-divergent"
+        # Create branch from current master, then advance master so branch lacks tip.
+        subprocess.run(
+            ["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "branch", branch, self.master_sha],
+            check=True,
+            capture_output=True,
+        )
+        # Make a new commit on master (orphan path so branch does not contain it).
+        marker = os.path.join(self.repo_dir, "master-advance.txt")
+        with open(marker, "w") as f:
+            f.write("advance master\n")
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "add", "master-advance.txt"], check=True, capture_output=True)
+        subprocess.run(
+            ["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "commit", "-m", "advance master past branch"],
+            check=True,
+            capture_output=True,
+        )
+        new_master = subprocess.run(
+            ["git", "-C", self.repo_dir, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            check=True,
+        ).stdout.strip()
+        res = author_issue_bootstrap.bootstrap_author_issue_worktree(
+            issue_number=850,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo_dir,
+            branch_name=branch,
+            expected_base_sha=new_master,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+            owner_session="session-test-1234",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "incompatible_existing_branch")
+
+    def test_compensating_recovery_attempts_lease_release(self):
+        """Review #531 Finding 5: recovery invokes lease release when lease_id is present."""
+        from unittest import mock
+
+        journal = {
+            "idempotency_key": "test_lease_rec",
+            "issue_number": 850,
+            "owner_session": "session-test-1234",
+            "lease_id": "lease-abc",
+            "branch_name": "fix/issue-850-lease-rec",
+            "artifacts_created": {"lock_created": True},
+            "failure_reason": "simulated",
+            "completed": False,
+        }
+        with mock.patch.object(
+            author_issue_bootstrap.lease_lifecycle,
+            "release_lease",
+            return_value={"success": True},
+        ) as rel, mock.patch.object(
+            author_issue_bootstrap.control_plane_db,
+            "ControlPlaneDB",
+            return_value=mock.Mock(),
+        ):
+            rec = author_issue_bootstrap.run_compensating_recovery(
+                journal, self.repo_dir, journal_dir=self.lock_dir
+            )
+        self.assertTrue(rec["executed"])
+        rel.assert_called_once()
+        self.assertIn("lease:lease-abc", rec["rolled_back"])
+
+
+class TestCanonicalRootNoStringSplit(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_fallback_uses_commonpath_not_substring_split(self):
+        """Review #531 Finding 2: no norm.split('/branches/') fallback."""
+        import inspect
+        import author_mutation_worktree as amw
+
+        src = inspect.getsource(amw.resolve_canonical_repo_root)
+        self.assertNotIn('split("/branches/")', src)
+        self.assertNotIn("split('/branches/')", src)
+
+        # Fallback recovers repo root from a nested branches worktree path.
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = os.path.join(tmp, "repo")
+            wt = os.path.join(repo, "branches", "fix-issue-850-x")
+            os.makedirs(wt)
+            # git unavailable path: pass missing workspace so fallback is used.
+            root = amw.resolve_canonical_repo_root("/missing/path", wt)
+            self.assertEqual(root, os.path.realpath(repo))
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()
+

tests/test_author_mutation_worktree.py

@@ -28,6 +28,21 @@ class TestPathUnderBranches(unittest.TestCase):
             amw.is_path_under_branches("/repo/other-checkout", self.ROOT)
         )
 
+    def test_unrelated_branches_dir_fails(self):
+        self.assertFalse(
+            amw.is_path_under_branches("/tmp/branches/evil", self.ROOT)
+        )
+
+    def test_prefix_confusion_fails(self):
+        self.assertFalse(
+            amw.is_path_under_branches(f"{self.ROOT}/branches-other/foo", self.ROOT)
+        )
+
+    def test_traversal_fails(self):
+        self.assertFalse(
+            amw.is_path_under_branches(f"{self.ROOT}/branches/../evil", self.ROOT)
+        )
+
 
 class TestAssessAuthorMutationWorktree(unittest.TestCase):
     ROOT = "/repo/Gitea-Tools"
@@ -71,6 +86,13 @@ class TestAssessAuthorMutationWorktree(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertTrue(result["proven"])
         self.assertFalse(result["block"])
 
+    def test_path_shaped_branches_ancestry_without_isdir(self):
+        """Review #551: commonpath recovery must not require on-disk isdir."""
+        fake_wt = "/repo/Gitea-Tools/branches/issue-274"
+        root = amw.resolve_canonical_repo_root(fake_wt, fake_wt)
+        self.assertEqual(root, "/repo/Gitea-Tools")
+        self.assertNotIn('split("/branches/")', open(amw.__file__).read())
+
 
 class TestPreflightIntegration(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_verify_preflight_blocks_control_checkout_with_test_porcelain(self):

tests/test_task_capability_role_invariants.py

@@ -139,6 +139,8 @@ EXPECTED_ROLE_EXCLUSIVE_TASKS = frozenset(
         "gitea_release_merger_pr_lease",
         "create_branch",
         "push_branch",
+        "bootstrap_author_issue_worktree",
+        "gitea_bootstrap_author_issue_worktree",
         # #812 AC20: publishing an unpublished local head is author-only for the
         # same reason every other push is — it writes a branch to the remote.
         "publish_unpublished_branch",

tests/test_webui_sanctioned_restart.py

@@ -0,0 +1,502 @@
+"""Sanctioned restart / graceful reload control tests (#642).
+
+Acceptance criteria under test:
+
+1. The sanctioned restart path is implemented behind gates (capability,
+   confirmation, operator authorization, host hook).
+2. Manual ``pkill`` stays forbidden and is classified as contamination.
+3. Post-restart mutations require clean health/session proof.
+4. Authorized restart preview, unauthorized deny, contamination classification.
+5. No entry point exposes a raw kill.
+"""
+
+import json
+import os
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+
+import mcp_namespace_health
+import runtime_recovery_guard
+from task_capability_map import TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP
+from webui import console_audit, console_authz, gated_actions, sanctioned_restart
+
+NAMESPACE = "gitea-author"
+
+# An operator-authorized, hook-configured host. Passed explicitly so no test
+# depends on (or mutates) the real process environment.
+READY_ENV = {
+    sanctioned_restart.RESTART_HOOK_ENV: "launchd:cc.prgs.gitea-author",
+    runtime_recovery_guard.OPERATOR_AUTHORIZATION_ENV: "ops-ticket-4821",
+}
+
+
+def admin(subject: str = "[email protected]") -> console_authz.Principal:
+    return console_authz.Principal(
+        subject=subject,
+        role=console_authz.ADMIN,
+        identity_source=console_authz.IDENTITY_ACCESS_PROXY,
+        authenticated=True,
+    )
+
+
+def viewer() -> console_authz.Principal:
+    return console_authz.Principal(
+        subject="[email protected]",
+        role=console_authz.VIEWER,
+        identity_source=console_authz.IDENTITY_ACCESS_PROXY,
+        authenticated=True,
+    )
+
+
+class TestCapabilityWiring(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC1: authority is declared, not invented by the console."""
+
+    def test_actions_resolve_through_the_capability_map(self):
+        for action_id in (
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE,
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RELOAD_NAMESPACE,
+        ):
+            with self.subTest(action=action_id):
+                action = console_authz.get_action(action_id)
+                self.assertIsNotNone(action)
+                self.assertIn(action.task_key, TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP)
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    action.mcp_permission,
+                    TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP[action.task_key]["permission"],
+                )
+
+    def test_restart_permission_is_not_a_gitea_operation(self):
+        """No configured Gitea profile should satisfy a host restart."""
+        permission = TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP["restart_namespace"]["permission"]
+        self.assertFalse(permission.startswith("gitea."))
+
+    def test_restart_is_destructive_dual_control_break_glass(self):
+        action = console_authz.get_action(
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(action.action_class, console_authz.CLASS_DESTRUCTIVE)
+        self.assertEqual(action.minimum_role, console_authz.ADMIN)
+        self.assertTrue(action.dual_control)
+        self.assertTrue(action.break_glass)
+        self.assertTrue(action.requires_confirmation)
+
+    def test_reload_is_privileged_but_not_destructive(self):
+        action = console_authz.get_action(
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RELOAD_NAMESPACE
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(action.action_class, console_authz.CLASS_PRIVILEGED)
+        self.assertTrue(action.requires_confirmation)
+
+
+class TestPreview(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC4: an authorized preview renders the plan without executing it."""
+
+    def test_preview_lists_the_mutation_ledger(self):
+        preview = sanctioned_restart.build_restart_preview(
+            NAMESPACE, principal=admin(), env=READY_ENV
+        )
+        steps = [entry["step"] for entry in preview["mutation_ledger"]]
+        self.assertEqual(
+            steps, ["quiesce", "host_restart_hook", "health_recheck", "audit"]
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(preview["scope_valid"])
+        self.assertTrue(preview["post_restart_verification_required"])
+
+    def test_reload_preview_drains_instead_of_restarting(self):
+        preview = sanctioned_restart.build_restart_preview(
+            NAMESPACE, sanctioned_restart.MODE_RELOAD,
+            principal=admin(), env=READY_ENV,
+        )
+        steps = [entry["step"] for entry in preview["mutation_ledger"]]
+        self.assertIn("host_graceful_reload", steps)
+        self.assertNotIn("host_restart_hook", steps)
+
+    def test_preview_never_enables_execution(self):
+        preview = sanctioned_restart.build_restart_preview(
+            NAMESPACE, principal=admin(), env=READY_ENV
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(preview["execution_enabled"])
+        self.assertFalse(preview["authorization"]["execution_enabled"])
+
+    def test_confirmation_phrase_binds_the_namespace(self):
+        self.assertTrue(
+            sanctioned_restart.confirmation_matches(
+                NAMESPACE, sanctioned_restart.MODE_RESTART,
+                "restart gitea-author",
+            )
+        )
+        # A phrase typed for one namespace must not authorize another.
+        self.assertFalse(
+            sanctioned_restart.confirmation_matches(
+                "gitea-merger", sanctioned_restart.MODE_RESTART,
+                "restart gitea-author",
+            )
+        )
+
+
+class TestGates(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC1/AC4: every gate denies with a stable reason code."""
+
+    def _assess(self, **kwargs):
+        params = {
+            "principal": admin(),
+            "confirmation": f"restart {NAMESPACE}",
+            "env": READY_ENV,
+        }
+        params.update(kwargs)
+        namespace = params.pop("namespace", NAMESPACE)
+        mode = params.pop("mode", sanctioned_restart.MODE_RESTART)
+        return sanctioned_restart.assess_restart_request(
+            namespace, mode, **params
+        )
+
+    def test_authorized_confirmed_request_passes_every_gate(self):
+        result = self._assess()
+        self.assertTrue(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.ALLOW_HOST_ACTION_REQUIRED
+        )
+
+    def test_passing_every_gate_is_not_an_execution_grant(self):
+        """An allowed request still never lets the console touch the process."""
+        result = self._assess()
+        self.assertTrue(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["execution_enabled"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["console_executes"])
+
+    def test_unauthorized_principal_is_denied(self):
+        result = self._assess(principal=viewer())
+        self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_UNAUTHORIZED
+        )
+
+    def test_anonymous_principal_is_denied(self):
+        result = self._assess(principal=None)
+        self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_UNAUTHORIZED
+        )
+
+    def test_missing_confirmation_is_denied(self):
+        result = self._assess(confirmation=None)
+        self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_CONFIRMATION_MISSING
+        )
+
+    def test_confirmation_for_another_namespace_is_denied(self):
+        result = self._assess(confirmation="restart gitea-merger")
+        self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_CONFIRMATION_MISMATCH
+        )
+
+    def test_missing_operator_authorization_is_denied(self):
+        env = {sanctioned_restart.RESTART_HOOK_ENV: "launchd:cc.prgs.author"}
+        result = self._assess(env=env)
+        self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["reason_code"],
+            sanctioned_restart.DENY_OPERATOR_AUTHORIZATION,
+        )
+
+    def test_missing_host_hook_is_denied_without_kill_fallback(self):
+        env = {
+            runtime_recovery_guard.OPERATOR_AUTHORIZATION_ENV: "ops-ticket-1",
+        }
+        result = self._assess(env=env)
+        self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_HOOK_NOT_CONFIGURED
+        )
+
+    def test_fleet_scope_is_refused(self):
+        for scope in ("all", "*", "fleet"):
+            with self.subTest(scope=scope):
+                result = self._assess(
+                    namespace=scope, confirmation=f"restart {scope}"
+                )
+                self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    result["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_FLEET_SCOPE
+                )
+
+    def test_unknown_namespace_is_refused(self):
+        result = self._assess(
+            namespace="gitea-nope", confirmation="restart gitea-nope"
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_UNKNOWN_NAMESPACE
+        )
+
+    def test_unknown_mode_is_refused(self):
+        result = self._assess(mode="obliterate")
+        self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_UNKNOWN_MODE
+        )
+
+    def test_live_contamination_marker_blocks_restart(self):
+        marker = runtime_recovery_guard.build_contamination_record(
+            reason_class=runtime_recovery_guard.REASON_MANUAL_DAEMON_KILL,
+            command_redacted="pkill -f mcp_server.py",
+        )
+        result = self._assess(contamination_marker=marker)
+        self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_CONTAMINATED_RUNTIME
+        )
+
+    def test_reconciler_cleared_marker_no_longer_blocks(self):
+        marker = runtime_recovery_guard.build_contamination_record(
+            reason_class=runtime_recovery_guard.REASON_MANUAL_DAEMON_KILL,
+            command_redacted="pkill -f mcp_server.py",
+        )
+        marker = dict(marker, cleared_by_reconciler=True)
+        result = self._assess(contamination_marker=marker)
+        self.assertTrue(result["allowed"])
+
+
+class TestExecutionNeverKills(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC5: no path exposes or runs a raw process kill."""
+
+    def test_authorized_execution_defers_to_the_host_supervisor(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.execute_restart(
+            NAMESPACE,
+            principal=admin(),
+            confirmation=f"restart {NAMESPACE}",
+            env=READY_ENV,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["success"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["process_kill_executed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["outcome"], sanctioned_restart.ALLOW_HOST_ACTION_REQUIRED
+        )
+
+    def test_denied_execution_reports_the_refusing_gate(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.execute_restart(
+            NAMESPACE, principal=viewer(), confirmation=f"restart {NAMESPACE}",
+            env=READY_ENV,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["allowed"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["outcome"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_UNAUTHORIZED
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["process_kill_executed"])
+
+    def test_module_never_spawns_a_process(self):
+        path = os.path.join(
+            os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))),
+            "webui", "sanctioned_restart.py",
+        )
+        with open(path, encoding="utf-8") as handle:
+            source = handle.read()
+        for forbidden in (
+            "import subprocess", "import signal", "os.kill", "os.system",
+            "popen",
+        ):
+            with self.subTest(forbidden=forbidden):
+                self.assertNotIn(forbidden, source.lower())
+
+    def test_no_surface_returns_a_kill_command(self):
+        payloads = [
+            sanctioned_restart.build_restart_preview(
+                NAMESPACE, principal=admin(), env=READY_ENV
+            ),
+            sanctioned_restart.restart_policy(),
+            sanctioned_restart.execute_restart(
+                NAMESPACE, principal=admin(),
+                confirmation=f"restart {NAMESPACE}", env=READY_ENV,
+            ),
+        ]
+        for payload in payloads:
+            rendered = json.dumps(payload, default=str).lower()
+            self.assertNotIn("kill -9", rendered)
+            self.assertNotIn("pkill -f", rendered)
+
+    def test_policy_declares_no_raw_kill_and_no_silent_restart(self):
+        policy = sanctioned_restart.restart_policy()
+        self.assertFalse(policy["raw_kill_exposed"])
+        self.assertFalse(policy["console_executes_process_kill"])
+        self.assertFalse(policy["fleet_scope_permitted"])
+        self.assertFalse(policy["silent_auto_restart_permitted"])
+        self.assertTrue(policy["audit_required"])
+
+
+class TestContaminationClassification(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC2: manual pkill is contamination, and it blocks clean claims."""
+
+    def test_manual_daemon_pkill_is_contamination(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.classify_restart_command(
+            "pkill -f mcp_server.py"
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["contamination"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["clean_claim_allowed"])
+        self.assertIsNotNone(result["contamination_marker"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["sanctioned_alternative"],
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE,
+        )
+
+    def test_broad_process_kill_is_contamination(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.classify_restart_command("killall -9 Python")
+        self.assertTrue(result["contamination"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["clean_claim_allowed"])
+
+    def test_marker_names_the_sanctioned_alternative(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.classify_restart_command(
+            "pkill -f mcp_server.py"
+        )
+        marker = result["contamination_marker"]
+        self.assertIn(
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE, marker["detail"]
+        )
+
+    def test_benign_command_is_not_contamination(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.classify_restart_command("git status")
+        self.assertFalse(result["contamination"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["clean_claim_allowed"])
+
+    def test_no_command_is_not_contamination(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.classify_restart_command(None)
+        self.assertFalse(result["contamination"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["clean_claim_allowed"])
+
+
+class TestPostRestartHealth(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC3: a clean post-restart claim needs live client-namespace proof."""
+
+    def test_live_client_probe_clears_the_session(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.verify_post_restart_health(
+            NAMESPACE,
+            probe_result={"success": True},
+            probe_source=mcp_namespace_health.PROBE_SOURCE_CLIENT,
+            registered_tools=["gitea_whoami"],
+            required_tool="gitea_whoami",
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["status"], sanctioned_restart.HEALTH_CLEAN)
+        self.assertTrue(result["clean_claim_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["mutations_allowed"])
+
+    def test_offline_probe_does_not_clear_the_session(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.verify_post_restart_health(
+            NAMESPACE,
+            probe_result={"success": True},
+            probe_source=mcp_namespace_health.PROBE_SOURCE_OFFLINE,
+            registered_tools=["gitea_whoami"],
+            required_tool="gitea_whoami",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["clean_claim_allowed"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutations_allowed"])
+
+    def test_failed_probe_is_unhealthy(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.verify_post_restart_health(
+            NAMESPACE,
+            probe_result={"success": False, "error": "client is closing: EOF"},
+            probe_source=mcp_namespace_health.PROBE_SOURCE_CLIENT,
+            registered_tools=["gitea_whoami"],
+            required_tool="gitea_whoami",
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["status"], sanctioned_restart.HEALTH_UNHEALTHY)
+        self.assertFalse(result["clean_claim_allowed"])
+
+    def test_static_registration_alone_never_clears_the_session(self):
+        result = sanctioned_restart.verify_post_restart_health(
+            NAMESPACE,
+            registered_tools=["gitea_whoami"],
+            required_tool="gitea_whoami",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["clean_claim_allowed"])
+
+
+class TestAuditEmission(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Every restart attempt is audited with actor, target, and result."""
+
+    def _run(self, principal, sink):
+        prior = os.environ.get(console_audit.AUDIT_LOG_ENV)
+        os.environ[console_audit.AUDIT_LOG_ENV] = sink
+        try:
+            return sanctioned_restart.execute_restart(
+                NAMESPACE,
+                principal=principal,
+                confirmation=f"restart {NAMESPACE}",
+                env=READY_ENV,
+                request_id="req-642",
+            )
+        finally:
+            if prior is None:
+                os.environ.pop(console_audit.AUDIT_LOG_ENV, None)
+            else:
+                os.environ[console_audit.AUDIT_LOG_ENV] = prior
+
+    def test_allowed_attempt_is_written_with_actor_and_target(self):
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            sink = os.path.join(tmp, "audit.jsonl")
+            result = self._run(admin(), sink)
+            self.assertTrue(result["audit"]["written"])
+            with open(sink, encoding="utf-8") as handle:
+                record = json.loads(handle.read().strip())
+        self.assertEqual(
+            record["action"], sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(record["target"]["namespace"], NAMESPACE)
+        self.assertEqual(record["target"]["mode"], "restart")
+        self.assertEqual(record["result"], console_audit.RESULT_ALLOWED)
+        self.assertEqual(record["actor"]["subject"], "[email protected]")
+        self.assertFalse(record["metadata"]["process_kill_executed"])
+
+    def test_denied_attempt_is_audited_too(self):
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            sink = os.path.join(tmp, "audit.jsonl")
+            self._run(viewer(), sink)
+            with open(sink, encoding="utf-8") as handle:
+                record = json.loads(handle.read().strip())
+        self.assertEqual(record["result"], console_audit.RESULT_DENIED)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            record["reason_code"], sanctioned_restart.DENY_UNAUTHORIZED
+        )
+
+    def test_restart_audit_uses_break_glass_retention(self):
+        action = console_authz.get_action(
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            console_audit.retention_class_for(action),
+            console_audit.RETENTION_BREAK_GLASS,
+        )
+
+
+class TestRegistrySurface(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC5: the console surfaces the control, still disabled, with no kill."""
+
+    def test_registry_exposes_both_actions_disabled(self):
+        registry = gated_actions.load_action_registry()
+        for action_id in (
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE,
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RELOAD_NAMESPACE,
+        ):
+            with self.subTest(action=action_id):
+                action = registry.get(action_id)
+                self.assertIsNotNone(action)
+                self.assertFalse(action.enabled)
+
+    def test_registry_preview_names_the_namespace_target(self):
+        preview = gated_actions.preview_action(
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE, namespace=NAMESPACE
+        )
+        target = preview["mutation_ledger"][0]["target"]
+        self.assertIn(NAMESPACE, target)
+        self.assertFalse(preview["enabled"])
+
+    def test_registry_attempt_fails_closed(self):
+        result = gated_actions.attempt_action(
+            sanctioned_restart.ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE, namespace=NAMESPACE
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["success"])
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_workspace_guard_alignment.py

@@ -35,8 +35,10 @@ class TestCanonicalRepoRoot(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(root, CONTROL_ROOT)
 
     def test_falls_back_when_git_unavailable(self):
+        # When fallback is a path under <repo>/branches/<worktree>, recover
+        # <repo> via commonpath ancestry (never string-split on "/branches/").
         root = amw.resolve_canonical_repo_root("/missing/path", MCP_PROCESS_ROOT)
-        self.assertEqual(root, os.path.realpath(MCP_PROCESS_ROOT))
+        self.assertEqual(root, os.path.realpath(CONTROL_ROOT))
 
 
 class TestWorkspaceRepoMembership(unittest.TestCase):

webui/console_authz.py

@@ -236,6 +236,34 @@ _ACTION_SPECS: tuple[ConsoleAction, ...] = (
         phase=3,
         summary="Remove a remote feature branch.",
     ),
+    # #642: sanctioned daemon lifecycle. These exist so operators have an
+    # audited path off `pkill -f mcp_server.py` (#630). Restart drops every
+    # in-flight request on a namespace, so it carries the same dual-control and
+    # break-glass weight as a merge; reload drains first and is privileged but
+    # not destructive. Neither ever exposes a raw kill: execution is handed to
+    # a host supervisor by ``webui.sanctioned_restart``.
+    ConsoleAction(
+        action_id="system.reload_namespace",
+        task_key="reload_namespace",
+        action_class=CLASS_PRIVILEGED,
+        minimum_role=CONTROLLER,
+        requires_confirmation=True,
+        dual_control=False,
+        break_glass=False,
+        phase=2,
+        summary="Gracefully reload one MCP namespace via the host supervisor.",
+    ),
+    ConsoleAction(
+        action_id="system.restart_namespace",
+        task_key="restart_namespace",
+        action_class=CLASS_DESTRUCTIVE,
+        minimum_role=ADMIN,
+        requires_confirmation=True,
+        dual_control=True,
+        break_glass=True,
+        phase=2,
+        summary="Restart one MCP namespace via the host supervisor.",
+    ),
 )
 
 ACTIONS: dict[str, ConsoleAction] = {a.action_id: a for a in _ACTION_SPECS}

webui/gated_actions.py

@@ -110,6 +110,8 @@ def _format_target(action_id: str, params: dict[str, Any]) -> str:
         )
     if action_id == "create_issue":
         return f"issue {params.get('title', '?')!r}"
+    if action_id in {"system.restart_namespace", "system.reload_namespace"}:
+        return f"MCP namespace {params.get('namespace', '?')!r}"
     return "unspecified"
 
 
@@ -165,6 +167,17 @@ def build_action_registry() -> ActionRegistry:
          "gitea_create_issue_comment", "Post a PR review thread comment."),
         ("close_pr", "Close PR", "close_pr", "gitea_edit_pr",
          "Close a pull request without merge."),
+        # #642: the sanctioned replacement for the forbidden manual daemon-kill
+        # recovery path (#630). The "tool" is a host supervisor hook, not an MCP
+        # call — the console never signals a process. Preview and gating live in
+        # ``webui.sanctioned_restart``; these stay disabled like every other
+        # registry entry.
+        ("system.reload_namespace", "Reload MCP namespace", "reload_namespace",
+         "host.supervisor_reload",
+         "Gracefully reload one MCP namespace via the host supervisor."),
+        ("system.restart_namespace", "Restart MCP namespace",
+         "restart_namespace", "host.supervisor_restart",
+         "Restart one MCP namespace via the host supervisor."),
     )
     actions = tuple(
         GatedAction(

webui/sanctioned_restart.py

@@ -0,0 +1,613 @@
+"""Sanctioned MCP restart and graceful reload controls (#642, Phase 2).
+
+Sessions have historically recovered MCP connectivity by killing the host
+daemon (``pkill -f mcp_server.py``, #630). That path stays forbidden: it kills
+every namespace on the host, contaminates the surviving session, and leaves no
+audit trail. This module is the sanctioned replacement.
+
+A restart is modelled as a *gated action*, never as a command:
+
+1. **Capability** — the console action resolves through ``console_authz``
+   against ``task_capability_map``, so the console cannot invent an authority
+   the MCP layer does not already define.
+2. **Preview** — :func:`build_restart_preview` renders a mutation ledger and
+   the exact confirmation phrase. It never returns a shell command.
+3. **Confirmation** — the operator echoes a phrase naming the exact namespace
+   and mode. A phrase for one namespace never authorizes another.
+4. **Operator authorization** — host daemon maintenance is authorized out of
+   band through the environment (#630, and #710 finding F1: a worker session
+   cannot set an env var for an already-running daemon, so this cannot be
+   self-asserted the way a tool argument could).
+5. **Execution** — :func:`execute_restart` never spawns a process. Once every
+   gate passes it hands the request to the configured host-managed restart
+   hook; with no hook configured it fails closed.
+6. **Health recheck** — :func:`verify_post_restart_health` requires live
+   client-namespace probe evidence before any post-restart clean claim.
+
+Manual ``pkill`` remains forbidden and is classified as contamination by
+:func:`classify_restart_command`, which blocks clean claims (#630 AC3).
+
+This module performs no I/O beyond reading its own environment configuration,
+imports no MCP client, and holds no credential.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+from dataclasses import asdict, dataclass
+from typing import Any
+
+import mcp_namespace_health
+import runtime_recovery_guard
+from webui import console_audit, console_authz
+
+# --- Operations -------------------------------------------------------------
+
+MODE_RESTART = "restart"
+MODE_RELOAD = "reload"
+MODES: tuple[str, ...] = (MODE_RESTART, MODE_RELOAD)
+
+ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE = "system.restart_namespace"
+ACTION_RELOAD_NAMESPACE = "system.reload_namespace"
+
+ACTION_FOR_MODE: dict[str, str] = {
+    MODE_RESTART: ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE,
+    MODE_RELOAD: ACTION_RELOAD_NAMESPACE,
+}
+
+# Namespaces the console may target. An unlisted name fails closed rather than
+# being passed through to a host hook.
+KNOWN_NAMESPACES: tuple[str, ...] = tuple(
+    sorted(
+        set(mcp_namespace_health.DEFAULT_NAMESPACES)
+        | {"gitea-author", "gitea-reviewer", "gitea-merger",
+           "gitea-reconciler", "gitea-controller"}
+    )
+)
+
+# Scope tokens that would mean "everything at once". Explicit non-goal: the
+# console never offers a fleet-wide restart, because that is the blast radius
+# `pkill -f mcp_server.py` already had.
+_FLEET_TOKENS = frozenset({"*", "all", "fleet", "any", ""})
+
+# --- Environment configuration ----------------------------------------------
+# Read server-side only; the value is an opaque host hook reference (e.g. a
+# launchd label), never a command line, and is never rendered to a client.
+RESTART_HOOK_ENV = "GITEA_SANCTIONED_RESTART_HOOK"
+
+# --- Reason codes -----------------------------------------------------------
+
+DENY_UNKNOWN_MODE = "unknown_mode"
+DENY_UNKNOWN_NAMESPACE = "unknown_namespace"
+DENY_FLEET_SCOPE = "fleet_scope_not_permitted"
+DENY_UNAUTHORIZED = "unauthorized"
+DENY_CONFIRMATION_MISSING = "confirmation_required"
+DENY_CONFIRMATION_MISMATCH = "confirmation_mismatch"
+DENY_OPERATOR_AUTHORIZATION = "operator_authorization_missing"
+DENY_HOOK_NOT_CONFIGURED = "restart_hook_not_configured"
+DENY_CONTAMINATED_RUNTIME = "contaminated_runtime"
+
+ALLOW_HOST_ACTION_REQUIRED = "host_action_required"
+
+# Post-restart verification outcomes.
+HEALTH_CLEAN = "clean"
+HEALTH_UNPROVEN = "unproven"
+HEALTH_UNHEALTHY = "unhealthy"
+
+
+def _clean(value: Any) -> str:
+    return str(value or "").strip()
+
+
+# --- Mutation ledger --------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class RestartLedgerEntry:
+    """One planned step, shown before anything is asked of the host."""
+
+    sequence: int
+    step: str
+    summary: str
+    executes_process_kill: bool = False
+
+
+def _mutation_ledger(namespace: str, mode: str) -> tuple[RestartLedgerEntry, ...]:
+    if mode == MODE_RELOAD:
+        middle = RestartLedgerEntry(
+            sequence=2,
+            step="host_graceful_reload",
+            summary=(
+                f"Ask the configured host supervisor to reload {namespace} "
+                "in place, draining in-flight requests. The console does not "
+                "signal the process itself."
+            ),
+        )
+    else:
+        middle = RestartLedgerEntry(
+            sequence=2,
+            step="host_restart_hook",
+            summary=(
+                f"Ask the configured host supervisor to restart {namespace}. "
+                "The console never sends a signal and never runs a kill."
+            ),
+        )
+    return (
+        RestartLedgerEntry(
+            sequence=1,
+            step="quiesce",
+            summary=(
+                f"Stop admitting new gated mutations for {namespace} and "
+                "record the intent before anything restarts."
+            ),
+        ),
+        middle,
+        RestartLedgerEntry(
+            sequence=3,
+            step="health_recheck",
+            summary=(
+                f"Re-probe {namespace} through the live client namespace and "
+                "prove the required tool is callable again."
+            ),
+        ),
+        RestartLedgerEntry(
+            sequence=4,
+            step="audit",
+            summary=(
+                "Append actor, target namespace, mode, and result to the "
+                "console audit log."
+            ),
+        ),
+    )
+
+
+# --- Confirmation -----------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def confirmation_phrase(namespace: str, mode: str) -> str:
+    """Exact phrase an operator must echo, naming the namespace and mode.
+
+    Binding the namespace into the phrase is the point: a confirmation typed
+    for ``gitea-author`` cannot be replayed against ``gitea-merger``.
+    """
+    return f"{_clean(mode)} {_clean(namespace)}"
+
+
+def confirmation_matches(
+    namespace: str, mode: str, confirmation: str | None
+) -> bool:
+    """Compare *confirmation* to the required phrase (exact, whitespace-trimmed)."""
+    return _clean(confirmation) == confirmation_phrase(namespace, mode)
+
+
+# --- Scope validation -------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def _validate_scope(namespace: str, mode: str) -> tuple[str, str] | None:
+    """Return ``(reason_code, detail)`` when the scope is refused."""
+    ns = _clean(namespace)
+    md = _clean(mode)
+
+    if md not in MODES:
+        return (
+            DENY_UNKNOWN_MODE,
+            f"Mode {md!r} is not one of {', '.join(MODES)}.",
+        )
+    if ns.lower() in _FLEET_TOKENS:
+        return (
+            DENY_FLEET_SCOPE,
+            (
+                "Fleet-wide restart is an explicit non-goal: it reproduces the "
+                "blast radius of `pkill -f mcp_server.py` (#630). Restart one "
+                "namespace at a time."
+            ),
+        )
+    if ns not in KNOWN_NAMESPACES:
+        return (
+            DENY_UNKNOWN_NAMESPACE,
+            f"Namespace {ns!r} is not a known MCP namespace.",
+        )
+    return None
+
+
+# --- Host hook --------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def restart_hook(env: dict[str, str] | None = None) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Report the configured host-managed restart hook.
+
+    The hook is a reference the *host* resolves (a supervisor label), not a
+    command this process runs. ``configured=False`` fails restart closed.
+    """
+    source = env if env is not None else os.environ
+    reference = _clean(source.get(RESTART_HOOK_ENV))
+    return {
+        "configured": bool(reference),
+        "reference": reference or None,
+        "source": RESTART_HOOK_ENV if reference else None,
+        "self_assertable": False,
+        "console_executes_process": False,
+    }
+
+
+# --- Preview ----------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def build_restart_preview(
+    namespace: str,
+    mode: str = MODE_RESTART,
+    *,
+    principal: console_authz.Principal | None = None,
+    env: dict[str, str] | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Render the dry-run preview for a restart/reload request.
+
+    Read-only: no authorization is granted, no host is contacted, and the
+    result never contains a shell command.
+    """
+    ns = _clean(namespace)
+    md = _clean(mode)
+    action_id = ACTION_FOR_MODE.get(md, ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE)
+    action = console_authz.get_action(action_id)
+    decision = console_authz.authorize(action_id, principal)
+    scope_error = _validate_scope(ns, md)
+    hook = restart_hook(env)
+    operator = runtime_recovery_guard.operator_authorization(env)
+
+    return {
+        "action_id": action_id,
+        "namespace": ns,
+        "mode": md,
+        "scope_valid": scope_error is None,
+        "scope_reason_code": scope_error[0] if scope_error else None,
+        "scope_detail": scope_error[1] if scope_error else None,
+        "required_role": action.minimum_role if action else None,
+        "required_permission": action.mcp_permission if action else None,
+        "action_class": action.action_class if action else None,
+        "dual_control": action.dual_control if action else True,
+        "break_glass": action.break_glass if action else True,
+        "requires_confirmation": True,
+        "confirmation_phrase": confirmation_phrase(ns, md),
+        "mutation_ledger": [asdict(entry) for entry in _mutation_ledger(ns, md)],
+        "authorization": decision.to_dict(),
+        "operator_authorization": operator,
+        "restart_hook": hook,
+        "execution_enabled": False,
+        "raw_process_kill_exposed": False,
+        "known_namespaces": list(KNOWN_NAMESPACES),
+        "post_restart_verification_required": True,
+    }
+
+
+# --- Gate -------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def assess_restart_request(
+    namespace: str,
+    mode: str = MODE_RESTART,
+    *,
+    principal: console_authz.Principal | None = None,
+    confirmation: str | None = None,
+    contamination_marker: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
+    env: dict[str, str] | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Decide whether a restart request may proceed to the host hook.
+
+    Every gate must pass. The first failure wins and is reported with a stable
+    reason code; a pass never means "restarted", only "may be handed to the
+    configured host hook".
+    """
+    ns = _clean(namespace)
+    md = _clean(mode)
+    action_id = ACTION_FOR_MODE.get(md, ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE)
+    preview = build_restart_preview(ns, md, principal=principal, env=env)
+
+    def refuse(reason_code: str, detail: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return {
+            "allowed": False,
+            "gates_passed": False,
+            "reason_code": reason_code,
+            "detail": detail,
+            "action_id": action_id,
+            "namespace": ns,
+            "mode": md,
+            "preview": preview,
+            "execution_enabled": False,
+        }
+
+    scope_error = _validate_scope(ns, md)
+    if scope_error is not None:
+        return refuse(*scope_error)
+
+    # Authority is checked as an authorization decision, not an execution
+    # grant. ``for_execution=True`` asks "may the console perform this write?",
+    # and the answer here is permanently no: step 2 of the ledger is a request
+    # to the host supervisor, so the console's Phase 2 execution gate is not
+    # the relevant gate. Every branch below keeps ``execution_enabled`` False
+    # and :func:`execute_restart` never touches a process.
+    decision = console_authz.authorize(action_id, principal)
+    if not decision.allowed:
+        return refuse(DENY_UNAUTHORIZED, decision.detail)
+
+    if not _clean(confirmation):
+        return refuse(
+            DENY_CONFIRMATION_MISSING,
+            (
+                "Type the confirmation phrase "
+                f"{preview['confirmation_phrase']!r} to proceed."
+            ),
+        )
+    if not confirmation_matches(ns, md, confirmation):
+        return refuse(
+            DENY_CONFIRMATION_MISMATCH,
+            (
+                "Confirmation does not name this namespace and mode; expected "
+                f"{preview['confirmation_phrase']!r}."
+            ),
+        )
+
+    operator = preview["operator_authorization"]
+    if not operator["authorized"]:
+        return refuse(
+            DENY_OPERATOR_AUTHORIZATION,
+            (
+                "Host daemon maintenance requires out-of-band operator "
+                "authorization via "
+                f"{runtime_recovery_guard.OPERATOR_AUTHORIZATION_ENV}."
+            ),
+        )
+
+    # #630's task-scoped gate deliberately lets a contaminated worker keep
+    # commenting and handing off. Restart is stricter and unconditional: a
+    # runtime already contaminated by a manual kill must be reconciled before
+    # it is restarted again, or the restart just launders the contamination.
+    if contamination_marker and not contamination_marker.get(
+        "cleared_by_reconciler"
+    ):
+        return refuse(
+            DENY_CONTAMINATED_RUNTIME,
+            (
+                "A live contamination marker is present; clear it through the "
+                "reconciler path before restarting."
+            ),
+        )
+
+    hook = preview["restart_hook"]
+    if not hook["configured"]:
+        return refuse(
+            DENY_HOOK_NOT_CONFIGURED,
+            (
+                "No host-managed restart hook is configured "
+                f"({RESTART_HOOK_ENV}). The console will not fall back to a "
+                "process kill."
+            ),
+        )
+
+    return {
+        "allowed": True,
+        "gates_passed": True,
+        "reason_code": ALLOW_HOST_ACTION_REQUIRED,
+        "detail": (
+            "Every gate passed. The restart must be performed by the "
+            "configured host supervisor; the console does not signal the "
+            "process."
+        ),
+        "action_id": action_id,
+        "namespace": ns,
+        "mode": md,
+        "preview": preview,
+        "execution_enabled": False,
+        "console_executes": False,
+        "console_active_phase": console_authz.ACTIVE_PHASE,
+    }
+
+
+# --- Execution --------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def execute_restart(
+    namespace: str,
+    mode: str = MODE_RESTART,
+    *,
+    principal: console_authz.Principal | None = None,
+    confirmation: str | None = None,
+    contamination_marker: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
+    env: dict[str, str] | None = None,
+    request_id: str | None = None,
+    session_id: str | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Run every gate, audit the outcome, and hand off to the host.
+
+    This function never spawns a process, never sends a signal, and never
+    builds a command line. ``success`` is False in both directions: a refused
+    request is refused, and an authorized request still requires the host
+    supervisor to act.
+    """
+    assessment = assess_restart_request(
+        namespace,
+        mode,
+        principal=principal,
+        confirmation=confirmation,
+        contamination_marker=contamination_marker,
+        env=env,
+    )
+    action_id = assessment["action_id"]
+    allowed = assessment["allowed"]
+
+    audit = console_audit.record_event(
+        action_id=action_id,
+        result=(
+            console_audit.RESULT_ALLOWED if allowed
+            else console_audit.RESULT_DENIED
+        ),
+        principal=principal,
+        target={"namespace": assessment["namespace"], "mode": assessment["mode"]},
+        reason_code=assessment["reason_code"],
+        detail=assessment["detail"],
+        request_id=request_id,
+        session_id=session_id,
+        metadata={
+            "gates_passed": assessment["gates_passed"],
+            "process_kill_executed": False,
+            "post_restart_verification_required": True,
+        },
+    )
+
+    return {
+        "success": False,
+        "outcome": (
+            ALLOW_HOST_ACTION_REQUIRED if allowed else assessment["reason_code"]
+        ),
+        "allowed": allowed,
+        "detail": assessment["detail"],
+        "namespace": assessment["namespace"],
+        "mode": assessment["mode"],
+        "action_id": action_id,
+        "process_kill_executed": False,
+        "host_hook": assessment["preview"]["restart_hook"],
+        "next_action": (
+            "Have the host supervisor perform the restart, then call "
+            "verify_post_restart_health with live client-namespace evidence "
+            "before claiming a clean session."
+            if allowed
+            else assessment["detail"]
+        ),
+        "assessment": assessment,
+        "audit": audit,
+    }
+
+
+# --- Contamination classification -------------------------------------------
+
+
+def classify_restart_command(
+    command: str | None,
+    *,
+    mcp_pids: list[Any] | tuple[Any, ...] | None = None,
+    session_id: str | None = None,
+    remote: str | None = None,
+    role: str | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Classify an operator-proposed recovery command (#630 AC2).
+
+    A manual ``pkill``/``kill`` of the MCP daemon is contamination, not a
+    restart. When contaminating, a durable marker is returned so downstream
+    gated mutations and clean claims fail closed.
+    """
+    classification = runtime_recovery_guard.classify_recovery_command(
+        command, mcp_pids=mcp_pids
+    )
+    contaminating = bool(classification.get("contamination"))
+
+    marker = None
+    if contaminating:
+        marker = runtime_recovery_guard.build_contamination_record(
+            reason_class=(
+                classification.get("reason_class")
+                or runtime_recovery_guard.REASON_MANUAL_DAEMON_KILL
+            ),
+            command_redacted=classification.get("redacted_command"),
+            session_id=session_id,
+            remote=remote,
+            role=role,
+            detail=(
+                "Manual daemon kill is forbidden; use the sanctioned "
+                f"{ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE} gated action instead."
+            ),
+        )
+
+    return {
+        "contamination": contaminating,
+        "sanctioned": not contaminating and not classification.get("process_kill"),
+        "clean_claim_allowed": not contaminating,
+        "reason_class": classification.get("reason_class"),
+        "redacted_command": classification.get("redacted_command"),
+        "classification": classification,
+        "contamination_marker": marker,
+        "sanctioned_alternative": ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE,
+    }
+
+
+# --- Post-restart health verification ---------------------------------------
+
+
+def verify_post_restart_health(
+    namespace: str,
+    *,
+    probe_result: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
+    probe_source: str | None = None,
+    registered_tools: list[str] | tuple[str, ...] | None = None,
+    required_tool: str | None = None,
+    profile: str | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Require live proof a namespace is callable before any clean claim (AC3).
+
+    Static registration is not proof and neither is an offline subprocess
+    probe: only ``probe_source=client_namespace`` evidence can clear a
+    post-restart session for mutations.
+    """
+    ns = _clean(namespace)
+    health = mcp_namespace_health.classify_namespace_probe(
+        ns,
+        required_tool=required_tool,
+        registered_tools=registered_tools,
+        probe_result=probe_result,
+        profile=profile,
+        probe_source=probe_source,
+    )
+    healthy = bool(health.get("healthy"))
+    proven = bool(health.get("ide_namespace_proven"))
+
+    if healthy and proven:
+        status = HEALTH_CLEAN
+    elif healthy:
+        status = HEALTH_UNPROVEN
+    else:
+        status = HEALTH_UNHEALTHY
+
+    reasons = list(health.get("reasons") or [])
+    if status == HEALTH_UNPROVEN:
+        reasons.append(
+            "Namespace reported healthy without live client-namespace "
+            "evidence; a post-restart clean claim requires "
+            f"probe_source={mcp_namespace_health.PROBE_SOURCE_CLIENT!r}."
+        )
+
+    return {
+        "namespace": ns,
+        "status": status,
+        "healthy": healthy,
+        "ide_namespace_proven": proven,
+        "clean_claim_allowed": status == HEALTH_CLEAN,
+        "mutations_allowed": status == HEALTH_CLEAN,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "health": health,
+    }
+
+
+# --- Policy surface ---------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def restart_policy() -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Machine-readable description of the sanctioned restart contract."""
+    return {
+        "policy_version": 1,
+        "modes": list(MODES),
+        "actions": [ACTION_RESTART_NAMESPACE, ACTION_RELOAD_NAMESPACE],
+        "known_namespaces": list(KNOWN_NAMESPACES),
+        "fleet_scope_permitted": False,
+        "console_executes_process_kill": False,
+        "raw_kill_exposed": False,
+        "requires_confirmation": True,
+        "confirmation_binds_namespace": True,
+        "operator_authorization_env": (
+            runtime_recovery_guard.OPERATOR_AUTHORIZATION_ENV
+        ),
+        "restart_hook_env": RESTART_HOOK_ENV,
+        "manual_kill_classified_as": runtime_recovery_guard.CONTAMINATION_KIND,
+        "post_restart_clean_claim_requires": (
+            mcp_namespace_health.PROBE_SOURCE_CLIENT
+        ),
+        "audit_required": True,
+        "silent_auto_restart_permitted": False,
+    }