diff --git a/api/.gitkeep b/api/.gitkeep
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8b1378917
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/.gitkeep
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+
diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
index aeda69a61..c1e5bd33a 100644
--- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
+++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ Rules:
 
 ## Current Version/Date
 
-- Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.004
+- Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.005
 - Date: 2026-06-28
 - Owner: OWNER
 
diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md
index d489f2af4..fb6a5ce89 100644
--- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md
+++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Project Instructions Version
 
-Current Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.004
+Current Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.005
 
 Last Updated: 2026-06-28
 
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ Last Updated: 2026-06-28
 - Startup validation now verifies the branching policy document was loaded instead of duplicating policy text.
 - Added backlog startup assignment policy requiring `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` and Tool Votes/Admin Owner priority signal review during team startup.
 - Added proposed repository layout architecture plan for future `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/` separation.
+- Added repository layout scaffold governance for `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/local-runtime/`.
 - Codex must read this version file and the latest repository copy of `PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md` before performing work.
 - Codex must discard previously remembered Project Instructions and treat the repository copy as authoritative.
 - Codex must validate canonical report and ZIP paths, branching model, and legacy path avoidance before work proceeds.
diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_STATE.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_STATE.md
index 145a9f088..633e2121c 100644
--- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_STATE.md
+++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_STATE.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Project State
 
 ```yaml
-project_state_version: "2026-06-28.PR_26179_OWNER_010"
+project_state_version: "2026.06.28.005"
 last_updated: "2026-06-28"
 current_main_commit: "40de767476d70cadfd1292c916844c2f31b6f185"
 repository_status:
@@ -10,9 +10,9 @@ repository_status:
   runtime_database: "Postgres"
   creator_metadata: "API to Postgres"
   creator_assets: "API to R2"
-project_instructions_version: "2026-06-28.PR_26179_OWNER_010"
-repository_structure_version: "2026-06-28.PR_26179_OWNER_010"
-canonical_layout_version: "2026-06-28.PR_26179_OWNER_010"
+project_instructions_version: "2026.06.28.005"
+repository_structure_version: "2026.06.28.005"
+canonical_layout_version: "2026.06.28.005"
 active_teams:
   - "Owner"
   - "Alfa"
@@ -20,11 +20,12 @@ active_teams:
   - "Charlie"
   - "Delta"
   - "Golf"
-latest_owner_pr: "PR_26179_OWNER_010-canonical-project-folder-instructions"
-latest_structure_pr: "PR_26179_OWNER_010-canonical-project-folder-instructions"
+latest_owner_pr: "PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold"
+latest_structure_pr: "PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold"
 valid_top_level_folders:
   - "account/"
   - "admin/"
+  - "api/"
   - "assets/"
   - "community/"
   - "company/"
@@ -39,10 +40,12 @@ valid_top_level_folders:
   - "owner/"
   - "src/"
   - "toolbox/"
+  - "www/"
 valid_dev_folders:
   - "dev/archive/"
   - "dev/build/"
   - "dev/config/"
+  - "dev/local-runtime/"
   - "dev/reports/"
   - "dev/scripts/"
   - "dev/templates/"
diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md
index ee8160a46..6c71e71a7 100644
--- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md
+++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md
@@ -38,10 +38,10 @@ The backlog is the authoritative source for determining the next logical PRs.
 
 - Team: Owner
 - Product Area: Repository Architecture Simplification
-- Status: Planned
-- Percent Complete: 0%
-- Active PR: PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan
-- Next Milestone: Architecture plan
+- Status: Active
+- Percent Complete: 10%
+- Active PR: PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold
+- Next Milestone: Move browser-served application to `www/`
 - Source / Reference: `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md`
 
 ## Game Journey MVP
diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/canonical_repository_structure.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/canonical_repository_structure.md
index adf926ea2..4c9e960f3 100644
--- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/canonical_repository_structure.md
+++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/canonical_repository_structure.md
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ Establish the canonical repository structure for future development and reduce t
 Valid top-level folders:
 - account/
 - admin/
+- api/
 - assets/
 - community/
 - company/
@@ -23,16 +24,19 @@ Valid top-level folders:
 - owner/
 - src/
 - toolbox/
+- www/
 
 Root product and repo sections:
 - account/, admin/, community/, company/, learn/, legal/, marketplace/, memberships/, and owner/ are production website sections.
 - assets/ contains production website and tool assets.
+- api/ is the target Node/API/server application surface for the repository layout simplification workstream.
 - docs/ is production Docs & Help content.
 - games/ is public game discovery.
 - toolbox/ is the Creator toolbox/workspace.
 - deploy/ contains deployment configuration.
 - dev/ contains the development workspace.
 - src/ contains deployable application/runtime/API source.
+- www/ is the target browser-served application surface for the repository layout simplification workstream.
 
 Deployable application source:
 - src/web/{feature-name}/
@@ -51,6 +55,7 @@ Valid dev workspace folders:
 - dev/archive/
 - dev/build/
 - dev/config/
+- dev/local-runtime/
 - dev/reports/
 - dev/scripts/
 - dev/templates/
@@ -62,6 +67,7 @@ Dev workspace ownership:
 - dev/archive/ owns historical reference material only.
 - dev/build/ owns active Project Instructions, architecture, database DDL/DML/seed docs, standards, backlog, PR planning, and governance.
 - dev/config/ owns development-only runner and tooling configuration.
+- dev/local-runtime/ owns developer-only local runtime bootstrap, team port resolution, local diagnostics, and browser launch orchestration after the migration step that moves those files.
 - dev/reports/ owns authoritative Codex reports for the repository. Reports committed to `main` are the official record.
 - dev/scripts/ owns development-only scripts and runners.
 - dev/templates/ owns reusable development templates.
@@ -96,6 +102,8 @@ These legacy transition buckets may remain until explicit migration PRs move the
 ## Rules
 
 - Root is production website and standard repository configuration only.
+- www/ is the browser-served application target surface for migration.
+- api/ is the Node/API/server application target surface for migration.
 - src/ is deployable application/runtime/API code.
 - dev/ is development workspace only.
 - deploy/ is deployment configuration.
diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md
index f2ec47fee..c700068f8 100644
--- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md
+++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Repository Layout Architecture Plan
 
-Status: Proposed
+Status: Active Scaffold
 Owner: Owner
 Scope: Documentation/governance only
 
@@ -10,6 +10,16 @@ Document the proposed repository architecture simplification before any file mov
 
 This plan does not authorize moving files, changing runtime behavior, changing package commands, or mixing feature work into layout migration PRs.
 
+## Current Migration Status
+
+`PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold` creates the empty canonical destination shells:
+
+- `www/`
+- `api/`
+- `dev/local-runtime/`
+
+No browser, API, server, test, script, or runtime files move in the scaffold PR.
+
 ## Proposed Future Layout
 
 ```text
@@ -94,38 +104,47 @@ Rules:
 - Each migration PR must update references, validation, reports, and ZIP artifacts for only its scoped move.
 - Each migration PR must include rollback notes or clear validation evidence.
 
-## Proposed Stacked PR Sequence
+## Active Stacked PR Sequence
 
-1. `www/` shell and governance
-   - Create the destination shell and document browser-served ownership.
-   - Do not move product pages yet.
+1. `PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold`
+   - Create `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/local-runtime/` shells.
+   - Update architecture docs and backlog status only.
 
-2. `api/` shell and governance
-   - Create the destination shell and document API/server ownership.
-   - Do not move API/runtime implementation yet.
+2. `PR_26180_OWNER_006-move-www-application`
+   - Move browser-served application files into `www/`.
+   - Include root HTML pages, `assets/`, `toolbox/`, `account/`, `legal/`, `learn/`, `play/`, and other browser-served static routes.
+   - Update internal static references only as needed.
+   - Do not move API/server files.
 
-3. Browser-served public section moves
-   - Move root browser-served product sections into `www/` in small groups.
-   - Preserve routes through compatibility redirects or server/static configuration as needed.
+3. `PR_26180_OWNER_007-move-api-application`
+   - Move server/API application files into `api/`.
+   - Include Local API server runtime files, API routes, services, database, storage, auth, publishing, and admin server code.
+   - Do not move developer-only startup orchestration.
+   - Browser code must not import from `api/`.
 
-4. Browser asset moves
-   - Move browser assets into `www/` ownership.
-   - Preserve asset URLs or update references in the same PR.
+4. `PR_26180_OWNER_008-move-dev-local-runtime`
+   - Move developer-only local runtime into `dev/local-runtime/`.
+   - Include team-aware bootstrap, port config, local startup orchestration, local diagnostics, and browser launch support.
+   - Update `package.json` commands to point to the new local-runtime paths.
 
-5. API/server moves
-   - Move Node/API/server entry points and service code into `api/`.
-   - Preserve API contract shape and route behavior.
+5. `PR_26180_OWNER_009-move-tests-and-validation`
+   - Ensure all tests and validation suites live under `dev/tests/` or the current canonical dev test structure.
+   - Update test paths after the `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/` migrations.
+   - Do not change behavior.
 
-6. Runtime/shared source boundary cleanup
-   - Move deployable browser/runtime/API modules into `www/` or `api/` ownership as appropriate.
-   - Keep shared runtime dependency direction explicit.
+6. `PR_26180_OWNER_010-update-ci-and-scripts`
+   - Update CI, package scripts, validation scripts, and developer utilities for the new layout.
+   - Preserve `npm run dev:bootstrap`, `npm run dev:api`, `npm run dev:web`, and `npm run dev:local-api`.
 
-7. Developer bootstrap and validation updates
-   - Update local developer bootstrap and validation paths after deployable surfaces are moved.
-   - Keep `dev/` developer-only.
+7. `PR_26180_OWNER_011-remove-legacy-layout`
+   - Remove or retire obsolete legacy paths after all references are updated.
+   - Hard stop if any runtime, test, or CI reference still points to old locations.
 
-8. Legacy path cleanup
-   - Remove or archive obsolete empty folders and compatibility shims only after validation proves they are unused.
+8. `PR_26180_OWNER_012-final-layout-validation`
+   - Validate final repository layout.
+   - Confirm `www/` owns the browser-served app, `api/` owns the server app, and `dev/` owns the developer workspace.
+   - Confirm runtime does not depend on `dev/`, browser code does not import `api/`, and legacy references are removed or documented.
+   - Mark Repository Architecture Simplification complete in `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`.
 
 ## Hard Rules
 
@@ -148,4 +167,3 @@ npm run validate:canonical-structure
 ```
 
 Additional targeted validation must match the moved surface.
-
diff --git a/dev/local-runtime/.gitkeep b/dev/local-runtime/.gitkeep
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8b1378917
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dev/local-runtime/.gitkeep
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+
diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_branch-validation.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_branch-validation.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..559aa0e03
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_branch-validation.md
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+# PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold Branch Validation
+
+| Check | Result | Notes |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Startup validation completed | PASS | Project Instructions v2026.06.28.004 loaded before branch creation; PR updates version to v2026.06.28.005. |
+| Current branch | PASS | `PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold` |
+| Expected stacked base | PASS | Created from `PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan`. |
+| Worktree clean before edits | PASS | Branch started with no modified files. |
+| PR model | PASS | Owner stacked PR under Repository Architecture Simplification. |
+| Previous dependency documented | PASS | `PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan` |
+| Next dependency documented | PASS | `PR_26180_OWNER_006-move-www-application` |
+| Runtime/API/UI/database scope | PASS | No implementation files changed. |
+
+Starting HEAD: `906a0970acd4e3f896cde02a0cc1a593c3122cd9`
diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_manual-validation-notes.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_manual-validation-notes.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b9877fd44
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_manual-validation-notes.md
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+# PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold Manual Validation Notes
+
+- Confirmed new scaffold directories are tracked only by `.gitkeep` files.
+- Confirmed no browser pages, assets, API/server code, scripts, tests, or package commands moved in this PR.
+- Confirmed the active stacked PR sequence is documented in the repository layout architecture plan.
+- Confirmed BACKLOG_MASTER.md now identifies PR005 as the active Repository Architecture Simplification milestone.
+- No Product Owner UI validation is required for this scaffold/governance-only step.
diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_report.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_report.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1ace46b97
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+# PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold Report
+
+## Executive Summary
+
+PASS - Created the initial repository layout scaffold for the Repository Architecture Simplification workstream. The PR adds empty tracked shells for `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/local-runtime/` and updates Project Instructions, canonical structure, project state, architecture plan status, and BACKLOG_MASTER status only.
+
+No browser-served application files, API/server files, tests, scripts, runtime code, UI pages, database files, or package commands were moved or changed.
+
+## Stack Metadata
+
+- Workstream: Repository Architecture Simplification
+- PR model: Stacked PR
+- Stack step: 1 of 8 after baseline architecture plan
+- Previous dependency: `PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan`
+- Current PR: `PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold`
+- Next dependency: `PR_26180_OWNER_006-move-www-application`
+- Base branch for GitHub PR: `PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan`
+- Source branch: `PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold`
+
+## Scope
+
+- Added `www/.gitkeep`.
+- Added `api/.gitkeep`.
+- Added `dev/local-runtime/.gitkeep`.
+- Updated canonical repository structure governance to recognize the new scaffold destinations.
+- Updated Project Instructions version from `2026.06.28.004` to `2026.06.28.005`.
+- Updated repository layout architecture plan with the active stacked PR sequence.
+- Updated BACKLOG_MASTER.md to mark Repository Architecture Simplification active at 10%.
+
+## Baseline Observation
+
+GitHub reported baseline PR #283 as open draft and conflicting against `main` at the time this stacked branch was created. This PR is still correctly stacked on the baseline branch named by Owner direction. The baseline must be resolved before this stack can merge into `main`.
+
+## Runtime Impact
+
+None. This is a scaffold/governance-only PR and does not move application files or alter commands.
diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_requirement-checklist.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_requirement-checklist.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0a7b7cb2e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_requirement-checklist.md
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+# PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold Requirement Checklist
+
+| Requirement | Result | Evidence |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Use stacked PRs | PASS | Branch created from `PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan`, not from unrelated work. |
+| No feature work | PASS | Scaffold and governance/status updates only. |
+| No behavior changes unless required by path migration | PASS | No behavior changes. |
+| Keep PR focused on one migration step | PASS | Only layout scaffold destinations were added. |
+| Preserve startup validation | PASS | Project Instructions startup contract retained. |
+| Preserve Project Instructions versioning | PASS | Version incremented to `2026.06.28.005`. |
+| Update BACKLOG_MASTER.md status | PASS | Repository Architecture Simplification set to Active, 10%, current PR005. |
+| Reports under dev/reports | PASS | Required reports generated in `dev/reports/`. |
+| ZIP under dev/workspace/zips | PASS | ZIP generated as `dev/workspace/zips/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_delta.zip`. |
+| Create www/ shell | PASS | `www/.gitkeep`. |
+| Create api/ shell | PASS | `api/.gitkeep`. |
+| Create dev/local-runtime/ shell | PASS | `dev/local-runtime/.gitkeep`. |
+| Do not move application files | PASS | No application files moved. |
+| Update architecture docs/status only | PASS | Canonical structure, layout plan, project state, version, and backlog updated. |
diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_validation-report.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_validation-report.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4f9412760
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_validation-report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+# PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold Validation Report
+
+| Validation | Result | Notes |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| git diff --check | PASS | No whitespace errors. |
+| npm run validate:canonical-structure | PASS | Blocking violations: 0; approved legacy exceptions: 501. |
+| Targeted impacted tests | PASS | Not impacted; scaffold/governance-only PR with no runtime file moves. |
+| Playwright | PASS | Not required; no browser-served files or UI routing changed. |
+| Runtime/API/UI/database changes | PASS | None detected. |
+
+## Commands Run
+
+```text
+git diff --check
+npm run validate:canonical-structure
+```
diff --git a/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt b/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
index b0fd56241..b66b95a42 100644
--- a/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
+++ b/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
@@ -1,25 +1,16 @@
-# git diff --name-status merge-base(origin/main, HEAD)..working-tree
-M	dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
-M	dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md
-M	dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md
-M	dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
-M	dev/reports/codex_review.diff
-
-# git ls-files --others --exclude-standard
+api/.gitkeep
+dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
+dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md
+dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_STATE.md
+dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md
+dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/canonical_repository_structure.md
 dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md
-dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_branch-validation.md
-dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_manual-validation-notes.md
-dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_report.md
-dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_requirement-checklist.md
-dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_validation-report.md
-
-# git diff --stat merge-base(origin/main, HEAD)..working-tree
-.../ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md    |    3 +-
- .../PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md                |    3 +-
- .../ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md  |   12 +
- dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt                |   46 +-
- dev/reports/codex_review.diff                      | 1085 +++++++-------------
- 5 files changed, 430 insertions(+), 719 deletions(-)
-
-# merge-base
-b3a2b30f51a1050596bbad2d7db211e1cba45b66
+dev/local-runtime/.gitkeep
+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_branch-validation.md
+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_manual-validation-notes.md
+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_report.md
+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_requirement-checklist.md
+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold_validation-report.md
+dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
+dev/reports/codex_review.diff
+www/.gitkeep
diff --git a/dev/reports/codex_review.diff b/dev/reports/codex_review.diff
index 086dfdf10..07af31e2b 100644
--- a/dev/reports/codex_review.diff
+++ b/dev/reports/codex_review.diff
@@ -1,421 +1,290 @@
+diff --git a/api/.gitkeep b/api/.gitkeep
+new file mode 100644
+index 000000000..8b1378917
+--- /dev/null
++++ b/api/.gitkeep
+@@ -0,0 +1 @@
++
 diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
-index 8ca721dc7..aeda69a61 100644
+index aeda69a61..c1e5bd33a 100644
 --- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
 +++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
 @@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ Rules:
 
  ## Current Version/Date
 
--- Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.003
-+- Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.004
+-- Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.004
++- Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.005
  - Date: 2026-06-28
  - Owner: OWNER
 
-@@ -195,6 +195,7 @@ That file owns Start of Day, PLAN_PR, BUILD_PR, APPLY_PR, and invalid command be
- - Project branching policy: `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_BRANCHING_POLICY.md`
- - Project state: `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_STATE.md`
- - Repository folder placement SSoT: `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/canonical_repository_structure.md`
-+- Proposed repository layout architecture plan: `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md`
- - Codex workflow commands: `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/standards/CODEX_WORKFLOW_COMMANDS.md`
- - Codex Start-of-Day bootstrap: `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/bootstrap/codex_start_of_day_bootstrap.md`
- - Branch lifecycle: `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/addendums/project_instructions_single_source_eod_lock.md`
 diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md
-index 56ae2b21e..d489f2af4 100644
+index d489f2af4..fb6a5ce89 100644
 --- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md
 +++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md
 @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
  # Project Instructions Version
 
--Current Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.003
-+Current Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.004
+-Current Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.004
++Current Project Instructions Version: 2026.06.28.005
 
  Last Updated: 2026-06-28
 
-@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ Last Updated: 2026-06-28
- - Added dedicated branching policy document.
+@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ Last Updated: 2026-06-28
  - Startup validation now verifies the branching policy document was loaded instead of duplicating policy text.
  - Added backlog startup assignment policy requiring `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` and Tool Votes/Admin Owner priority signal review during team startup.
-+- Added proposed repository layout architecture plan for future `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/` separation.
+ - Added proposed repository layout architecture plan for future `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/` separation.
++- Added repository layout scaffold governance for `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/local-runtime/`.
  - Codex must read this version file and the latest repository copy of `PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md` before performing work.
  - Codex must discard previously remembered Project Instructions and treat the repository copy as authoritative.
  - Codex must validate canonical report and ZIP paths, branching model, and legacy path avoidance before work proceeds.
+diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_STATE.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_STATE.md
+index 145a9f088..633e2121c 100644
+--- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_STATE.md
++++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_STATE.md
+@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
+ # Project State
+
+ ```yaml
+-project_state_version: "2026-06-28.PR_26179_OWNER_010"
++project_state_version: "2026.06.28.005"
+ last_updated: "2026-06-28"
+ current_main_commit: "40de767476d70cadfd1292c916844c2f31b6f185"
+ repository_status:
+@@ -10,9 +10,9 @@ repository_status:
+   runtime_database: "Postgres"
+   creator_metadata: "API to Postgres"
+   creator_assets: "API to R2"
+-project_instructions_version: "2026-06-28.PR_26179_OWNER_010"
+-repository_structure_version: "2026-06-28.PR_26179_OWNER_010"
+-canonical_layout_version: "2026-06-28.PR_26179_OWNER_010"
++project_instructions_version: "2026.06.28.005"
++repository_structure_version: "2026.06.28.005"
++canonical_layout_version: "2026.06.28.005"
+ active_teams:
+   - "Owner"
+   - "Alfa"
+@@ -20,11 +20,12 @@ active_teams:
+   - "Charlie"
+   - "Delta"
+   - "Golf"
+-latest_owner_pr: "PR_26179_OWNER_010-canonical-project-folder-instructions"
+-latest_structure_pr: "PR_26179_OWNER_010-canonical-project-folder-instructions"
++latest_owner_pr: "PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold"
++latest_structure_pr: "PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold"
+ valid_top_level_folders:
+   - "account/"
+   - "admin/"
++  - "api/"
+   - "assets/"
+   - "community/"
+   - "company/"
+@@ -39,10 +40,12 @@ valid_top_level_folders:
+   - "owner/"
+   - "src/"
+   - "toolbox/"
++  - "www/"
+ valid_dev_folders:
+   - "dev/archive/"
+   - "dev/build/"
+   - "dev/config/"
++  - "dev/local-runtime/"
+   - "dev/reports/"
+   - "dev/scripts/"
+   - "dev/templates/"
 diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md
-index 3c47c2a1b..ee8160a46 100644
+index ee8160a46..6c71e71a7 100644
 --- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md
 +++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md
-@@ -32,6 +32,18 @@ Completion percentages are updated at SOD, after every accepted PR, and at EOD.
+@@ -38,10 +38,10 @@ The backlog is the authoritative source for determining the next logical PRs.
 
- The backlog is the authoritative source for determining the next logical PRs.
+ - Team: Owner
+ - Product Area: Repository Architecture Simplification
+-- Status: Planned
+-- Percent Complete: 0%
+-- Active PR: PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan
+-- Next Milestone: Architecture plan
++- Status: Active
++- Percent Complete: 10%
++- Active PR: PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold
++- Next Milestone: Move browser-served application to `www/`
+ - Source / Reference: `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md`
 
-+## Owner Assignments
-+
-+### Repository Architecture Simplification
-+
-+- Team: Owner
-+- Product Area: Repository Architecture Simplification
-+- Status: Planned
-+- Percent Complete: 0%
-+- Active PR: PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan
-+- Next Milestone: Architecture plan
-+- Source / Reference: `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md`
-+
  ## Game Journey MVP
+diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/canonical_repository_structure.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/canonical_repository_structure.md
+index adf926ea2..4c9e960f3 100644
+--- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/canonical_repository_structure.md
++++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/canonical_repository_structure.md
+@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ Establish the canonical repository structure for future development and reduce t
+ Valid top-level folders:
+ - account/
+ - admin/
++- api/
+ - assets/
+ - community/
+ - company/
+@@ -23,16 +24,19 @@ Valid top-level folders:
+ - owner/
+ - src/
+ - toolbox/
++- www/
 
- ### Idea
-diff --git a/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt b/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
-index dae75d365..de565a339 100644
---- a/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
-+++ b/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
-@@ -1,23 +1,23 @@
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_022-sprites-tool-shell.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_023-sprites-toolbar-placeholders.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_024-sprites-canvas-grid.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_025-sprites-basic-drawing.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_026-sprites-palette-panel.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_027-sprites-preview-export.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_028-sprites-editor-polish.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_029-sprites-clear-reset-controls.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_030-sprites-undo-redo.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_031-sprites-picker-zoom.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_032-sprites-shape-tools.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_033-sprites-canvas-preview-sync.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_034-sprites-frame-strip.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_035-sprites-frame-editing.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_036-sprites-animation-preview.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_037-sprites-animation-export.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_038-sprites-grid-dimension-fix.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_039-sprites-color-and-zoom-fix.md
--dev/reports/PR_26179_CHARLIE_040-dev-artifact-location-cleanup.md
--dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
--dev/reports/codex_review.diff
--docs_build/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
--docs_build/dev/reports/codex_review.diff
-+# git diff --name-status merge-base(origin/main, HEAD)..working-tree
-+M	dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
-+M	dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md
-+M	dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md
-+M	dev/reports/codex_review.diff
-+
-+# git ls-files --others --exclude-standard
-+dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md
-+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_branch-validation.md
-+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_manual-validation-notes.md
-+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_report.md
-+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_requirement-checklist.md
-+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_validation-report.md
-+
-+# git diff --stat merge-base(origin/main, HEAD)..working-tree
-+.../ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md    |    3 +-
-+ .../PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS_VERSION.md                |    3 +-
-+ .../ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md  |   12 +
-+ dev/reports/codex_review.diff                      | 1043 +++++++-------------
-+ 4 files changed, 357 insertions(+), 704 deletions(-)
-+
-+# merge-base
-+b3a2b30f51a1050596bbad2d7db211e1cba45b66
+ Root product and repo sections:
+ - account/, admin/, community/, company/, learn/, legal/, marketplace/, memberships/, and owner/ are production website sections.
+ - assets/ contains production website and tool assets.
++- api/ is the target Node/API/server application surface for the repository layout simplification workstream.
+ - docs/ is production Docs & Help content.
+ - games/ is public game discovery.
+ - toolbox/ is the Creator toolbox/workspace.
+ - deploy/ contains deployment configuration.
+ - dev/ contains the development workspace.
+ - src/ contains deployable application/runtime/API source.
++- www/ is the target browser-served application surface for the repository layout simplification workstream.
+
+ Deployable application source:
+ - src/web/{feature-name}/
+@@ -51,6 +55,7 @@ Valid dev workspace folders:
+ - dev/archive/
+ - dev/build/
+ - dev/config/
++- dev/local-runtime/
+ - dev/reports/
+ - dev/scripts/
+ - dev/templates/
+@@ -62,6 +67,7 @@ Dev workspace ownership:
+ - dev/archive/ owns historical reference material only.
+ - dev/build/ owns active Project Instructions, architecture, database DDL/DML/seed docs, standards, backlog, PR planning, and governance.
+ - dev/config/ owns development-only runner and tooling configuration.
++- dev/local-runtime/ owns developer-only local runtime bootstrap, team port resolution, local diagnostics, and browser launch orchestration after the migration step that moves those files.
+ - dev/reports/ owns authoritative Codex reports for the repository. Reports committed to `main` are the official record.
+ - dev/scripts/ owns development-only scripts and runners.
+ - dev/templates/ owns reusable development templates.
+@@ -96,6 +102,8 @@ These legacy transition buckets may remain until explicit migration PRs move the
+ ## Rules
+
+ - Root is production website and standard repository configuration only.
++- www/ is the browser-served application target surface for migration.
++- api/ is the Node/API/server application target surface for migration.
+ - src/ is deployable application/runtime/API code.
+ - dev/ is development workspace only.
+ - deploy/ is deployment configuration.
 diff --git a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md
-new file mode 100644
-index 000000000..f2ec47fee
---- /dev/null
+index f2ec47fee..c700068f8 100644
+--- a/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md
 +++ b/dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md
-@@ -0,0 +1,151 @@
-+# Repository Layout Architecture Plan
-+
-+Status: Proposed
-+Owner: Owner
-+Scope: Documentation/governance only
-+
-+## Purpose
-+
-+Document the proposed repository architecture simplification before any file moves occur.
-+
-+This plan does not authorize moving files, changing runtime behavior, changing package commands, or mixing feature work into layout migration PRs.
-+
-+## Proposed Future Layout
-+
-+```text
-+www/
-+api/
-+dev/
-+```
-+
-+### www/
-+
-+`www/` is the browser-served application.
-+
-+It will own deployable browser pages, browser assets, and static application entry points currently spread across root product folders, `assets/`, `docs/`, `games/`, `toolbox/`, and browser-facing runtime surfaces.
-+
-+`www/` must not own authoritative product data.
-+
-+### api/
-+
-+`api/` is the Node/API/server application.
-+
-+It will own server entry points, API routing, API services, environment adapters, database access, storage access, server-side setup, and deployable API/runtime support code.
-+
-+`api/` owns the Browser -> API -> Postgres/R2 boundary.
-+
-+### dev/
-+
-+`dev/` is the developer-only workspace.
-+
-+It owns Project Instructions, governance, architecture docs, reports, tests, scripts, templates, local developer bootstrap, generated output, zips, logs, and historical archive material.
-+
-+Production runtime, browser application code, and API deployment code must never depend on `dev/`.
-+
-+## Deployment Model
-+
-+The proposed target deployment model has two deployable application surfaces:
-+
-+- `www/` deploys the browser-served application.
-+- `api/` deploys the Node/API/server application.
-+
-+`dev/` is not deployed as product runtime and must be excluded from runtime dependency paths.
-+
-+Environment differences remain governed by `.env` values and environment-managed secrets. The same deployable browser and API code paths must be promoted through Local, DEV, IST, UAT, and PROD.
-+
-+## Browser/API/Database Flow
-+
-+Required product-data flow:
-+
-+```text
-+Browser -> API -> Postgres/R2
-+```
-+
-+Rules:
-+
-+- Browser code reads and writes authoritative product data only through the API/service contract.
-+- Product metadata is persisted in Postgres.
-+- Product assets are persisted in Cloudflare R2.
-+- Browser storage, page arrays, source JSON files, `/tmp`, and dev workspace files are not authoritative product-data sources.
-+- Seed data is allowed only when it seeds the database through server/API/setup ownership.
-+
-+## Developer Local-Runtime Flow
-+
-+Local development may use the team-aware developer bootstrap and local runtime support, but the runtime boundary remains the same:
-+
-+```text
-+Developer command -> dev bootstrap -> local www server + local api server -> Postgres/R2 or approved local provider
-+```
-+
-+Current local bootstrap commands remain unchanged by this plan. This PR does not modify `package.json` commands.
-+
-+The local developer workflow must continue to prove the same browser/API/database contract that deployed environments use.
-+
-+## Migration Strategy
-+
-+Migration must happen through small, reviewable, stacked PRs after this architecture plan is accepted.
-+
-+Rules:
-+
-+- No file moves occur in this plan PR.
-+- No feature work may be mixed into migration PRs.
-+- Each migration PR moves or rewires one bounded ownership area.
-+- Each migration PR must preserve the same product behavior unless the PR is explicitly a behavior change.
-+- Each migration PR must update references, validation, reports, and ZIP artifacts for only its scoped move.
-+- Each migration PR must include rollback notes or clear validation evidence.
-+
-+## Proposed Stacked PR Sequence
-+
-+1. `www/` shell and governance
-+   - Create the destination shell and document browser-served ownership.
-+   - Do not move product pages yet.
-+
-+2. `api/` shell and governance
-+   - Create the destination shell and document API/server ownership.
-+   - Do not move API/runtime implementation yet.
-+
-+3. Browser-served public section moves
-+   - Move root browser-served product sections into `www/` in small groups.
-+   - Preserve routes through compatibility redirects or server/static configuration as needed.
-+
-+4. Browser asset moves
-+   - Move browser assets into `www/` ownership.
-+   - Preserve asset URLs or update references in the same PR.
-+
-+5. API/server moves
-+   - Move Node/API/server entry points and service code into `api/`.
-+   - Preserve API contract shape and route behavior.
-+
-+6. Runtime/shared source boundary cleanup
-+   - Move deployable browser/runtime/API modules into `www/` or `api/` ownership as appropriate.
-+   - Keep shared runtime dependency direction explicit.
-+
-+7. Developer bootstrap and validation updates
-+   - Update local developer bootstrap and validation paths after deployable surfaces are moved.
-+   - Keep `dev/` developer-only.
-+
-+8. Legacy path cleanup
-+   - Remove or archive obsolete empty folders and compatibility shims only after validation proves they are unused.
-+
-+## Hard Rules
-+
-+- No feature work may be mixed into repository layout migration.
-+- Runtime must never depend on `dev/`.
-+- Browser code must never own authoritative product data.
-+- Browser code must use Browser -> API -> Postgres/R2 for product data.
-+- API/server code must not import from developer-only reports, Project Instructions, tests, or workspace artifacts.
-+- Migration PRs must not change package commands unless the PR explicitly owns command migration.
-+- Migration PRs must not introduce Creator-writeable repository folders.
-+- Migration PRs must not hide behavior changes inside path moves.
-+
-+## Validation Expectations
-+
-+Every layout migration PR must at minimum run:
-+
-+```text
-+git diff --check
-+npm run validate:canonical-structure
-+```
-+
-+Additional targeted validation must match the moved surface.
-+
-diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_branch-validation.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_branch-validation.md
-new file mode 100644
-index 000000000..4c063b57e
---- /dev/null
-+++ b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_branch-validation.md
-@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
-+# PR_26180_OWNER_004 Branch Validation
-+
-+| Gate | Result | Evidence |
-+|---|---|---|
-+| Project Instructions loaded | PASS | Version `2026.06.28.003` loaded before work began; PR bumps to `2026.06.28.004`. |
-+| Repository source | PASS | Loaded from `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/`. |
-+| Cached memory discarded | PASS | Repository files used as authority. |
-+| Branching policy loaded | PASS | `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_BRANCHING_POLICY.md`. |
-+| Start branch | PASS | Started from synchronized `main`. |
-+| Working branch | PASS | `PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan`. |
-+| Worktree before edits | PASS | Clean before edits. |
-+| Scope | PASS | Documentation/governance only. |
-+
-diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_manual-validation-notes.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_manual-validation-notes.md
-new file mode 100644
-index 000000000..511e09a30
---- /dev/null
-+++ b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_manual-validation-notes.md
-@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
-+# PR_26180_OWNER_004 Manual Validation Notes
-+
-+- Confirmed the new architecture plan is proposal-only and explicitly does not authorize file moves.
-+- Confirmed proposed future layout documents `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/`.
-+- Confirmed migration hard rules prohibit feature work mixed with path migration.
-+- Confirmed runtime dependency on `dev/` is prohibited.
-+- Confirmed browser-owned authoritative product data is prohibited.
-+- Confirmed `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` contains the planned Owner backlog item.
-+- Confirmed Project Instructions version is updated to `2026.06.28.004`.
-+- Confirmed no package command changes.
-+
-diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_report.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_report.md
-new file mode 100644
-index 000000000..b975f2e9f
---- /dev/null
-+++ b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_report.md
-@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
-+# PR_26180_OWNER_004 Repository Layout Architecture Plan Report
-+
-+## Executive Summary
-+
-+PASS: Added a documentation/governance-only architecture plan for future repository layout simplification before any file moves.
-+
-+The proposed future layout is:
-+
-+- `www/` = browser-served application
-+- `api/` = Node/API/server application
-+- `dev/` = developer-only workspace
-+
-+No files were moved. No runtime, UI, API implementation, database implementation, or `package.json` command changes were made.
-+
-+## Changes
-+
-+- Added `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/repository/repository_layout_architecture_plan.md`.
-+- Updated `PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md` to reference the new proposed layout plan.
-+- Bumped Project Instructions version to `2026.06.28.004`.
-+- Updated `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` with Owner planned work:
-+  - Team: Owner
-+  - Product Area: Repository Architecture Simplification
-+  - Status: Planned
-+  - Percent Complete: 0%
-+  - Next Milestone: Architecture plan
-+
-+## Architecture Plan Coverage
-+
-+| Required Topic | Result |
-+|---|---|
-+| Proposed `www/`, `api/`, `dev/` layout | PASS |
-+| Deployment model | PASS |
-+| Browser/API/database flow | PASS |
-+| Developer local-runtime flow | PASS |
-+| Migration strategy | PASS |
-+| Stacked PR sequence | PASS |
-+| No feature work mixed into migration | PASS |
-+| Runtime must never depend on `dev/` | PASS |
-+| Browser must never own authoritative product data | PASS |
-+
-+## Scope Validation
-+
-+Changed files are limited to Project Instructions, backlog governance, and reports.
+@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
+ # Repository Layout Architecture Plan
+
+-Status: Proposed
++Status: Active Scaffold
+ Owner: Owner
+ Scope: Documentation/governance only
+
+@@ -10,6 +10,16 @@ Document the proposed repository architecture simplification before any file mov
+
+ This plan does not authorize moving files, changing runtime behavior, changing package commands, or mixing feature work into layout migration PRs.
+
++## Current Migration Status
 +
-+Implementation files, runtime code, UI files, API implementation files, database implementation files, and package commands were not changed.
++`PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold` creates the empty canonical destination shells:
 +
-+## Artifact
++- `www/`
++- `api/`
++- `dev/local-runtime/`
 +
-+Repo-structured outcome ZIP:
++No browser, API, server, test, script, or runtime files move in the scaffold PR.
 +
-+```text
-+dev/workspace/zips/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_delta.zip
-+```
-diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_requirement-checklist.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_requirement-checklist.md
+ ## Proposed Future Layout
+
+ ```text
+@@ -94,38 +104,47 @@ Rules:
+ - Each migration PR must update references, validation, reports, and ZIP artifacts for only its scoped move.
+ - Each migration PR must include rollback notes or clear validation evidence.
+
+-## Proposed Stacked PR Sequence
++## Active Stacked PR Sequence
+
+-1. `www/` shell and governance
+-   - Create the destination shell and document browser-served ownership.
+-   - Do not move product pages yet.
++1. `PR_26180_OWNER_005-repository-layout-scaffold`
++   - Create `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/local-runtime/` shells.
++   - Update architecture docs and backlog status only.
+
+-2. `api/` shell and governance
+-   - Create the destination shell and document API/server ownership.
+-   - Do not move API/runtime implementation yet.
++2. `PR_26180_OWNER_006-move-www-application`
++   - Move browser-served application files into `www/`.
++   - Include root HTML pages, `assets/`, `toolbox/`, `account/`, `legal/`, `learn/`, `play/`, and other browser-served static routes.
++   - Update internal static references only as needed.
++   - Do not move API/server files.
+
+-3. Browser-served public section moves
+-   - Move root browser-served product sections into `www/` in small groups.
+-   - Preserve routes through compatibility redirects or server/static configuration as needed.
++3. `PR_26180_OWNER_007-move-api-application`
++   - Move server/API application files into `api/`.
++   - Include Local API server runtime files, API routes, services, database, storage, auth, publishing, and admin server code.
++   - Do not move developer-only startup orchestration.
++   - Browser code must not import from `api/`.
+
+-4. Browser asset moves
+-   - Move browser assets into `www/` ownership.
+-   - Preserve asset URLs or update references in the same PR.
++4. `PR_26180_OWNER_008-move-dev-local-runtime`
++   - Move developer-only local runtime into `dev/local-runtime/`.
++   - Include team-aware bootstrap, port config, local startup orchestration, local diagnostics, and browser launch support.
++   - Update `package.json` commands to point to the new local-runtime paths.
+
+-5. API/server moves
+-   - Move Node/API/server entry points and service code into `api/`.
+-   - Preserve API contract shape and route behavior.
++5. `PR_26180_OWNER_009-move-tests-and-validation`
++   - Ensure all tests and validation suites live under `dev/tests/` or the current canonical dev test structure.
++   - Update test paths after the `www/`, `api/`, and `dev/` migrations.
++   - Do not change behavior.
+
+-6. Runtime/shared source boundary cleanup
+-   - Move deployable browser/runtime/API modules into `www/` or `api/` ownership as appropriate.
+-   - Keep shared runtime dependency direction explicit.
++6. `PR_26180_OWNER_010-update-ci-and-scripts`
++   - Update CI, package scripts, validation scripts, and developer utilities for the new layout.
++   - Preserve `npm run dev:bootstrap`, `npm run dev:api`, `npm run dev:web`, and `npm run dev:local-api`.
+
+-7. Developer bootstrap and validation updates
+-   - Update local developer bootstrap and validation paths after deployable surfaces are moved.
+-   - Keep `dev/` developer-only.
++7. `PR_26180_OWNER_011-remove-legacy-layout`
++   - Remove or retire obsolete legacy paths after all references are updated.
++   - Hard stop if any runtime, test, or CI reference still points to old locations.
+
+-8. Legacy path cleanup
+-   - Remove or archive obsolete empty folders and compatibility shims only after validation proves they are unused.
++8. `PR_26180_OWNER_012-final-layout-validation`
++   - Validate final repository layout.
++   - Confirm `www/` owns the browser-served app, `api/` owns the server app, and `dev/` owns the developer workspace.
++   - Confirm runtime does not depend on `dev/`, browser code does not import `api/`, and legacy references are removed or documented.
++   - Mark Repository Architecture Simplification complete in `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`.
+
+ ## Hard Rules
+
+@@ -148,4 +167,3 @@ npm run validate:canonical-structure
+ ```
+
+ Additional targeted validation must match the moved surface.
+-
+diff --git a/dev/local-runtime/.gitkeep b/dev/local-runtime/.gitkeep
 new file mode 100644
-index 000000000..0b7bdf07a
+index 000000000..8b1378917
 --- /dev/null
-+++ b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_requirement-checklist.md
-@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
-+# PR_26180_OWNER_004 Requirement Checklist
-+
-+| Requirement | Result | Notes |
-+|---|---|---|
-+| Document proposed future layout `www/`, `api/`, `dev/` | PASS | Added to repository layout architecture plan. |
-+| Include deployment model | PASS | `www/` and `api/` deployable surfaces documented; `dev/` non-runtime. |
-+| Include browser/API/database flow | PASS | Browser -> API -> Postgres/R2 documented. |
-+| Include developer local-runtime flow | PASS | Developer command -> dev bootstrap -> local www/API flow documented. |
-+| Include migration strategy | PASS | Strategy and constraints documented. |
-+| Include stacked PR sequence | PASS | Eight-step proposed sequence documented. |
-+| Hard rule: no feature work mixed into migration | PASS | Documented. |
-+| Hard rule: runtime must never depend on `dev/` | PASS | Documented. |
-+| Hard rule: browser must never own authoritative product data | PASS | Documented. |
-+| Update `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` Owner planned item | PASS | Added Team/Product Area/Status/Percent/Next Milestone entry. |
-+| Increment Project Instructions version if ProjectInstructions changed | PASS | Version bumped to `2026.06.28.004`. |
-+| Do not move files | PASS | No file moves performed. |
-+| Do not modify runtime code | PASS | No runtime files changed. |
-+| Do not change `package.json` commands | PASS | `package.json` unchanged. |
++++ b/dev/local-runtime/.gitkeep
+@@ -0,0 +1 @@
 +
-diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_validation-report.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_validation-report.md
+diff --git a/www/.gitkeep b/www/.gitkeep
 new file mode 100644
-index 000000000..30520dac8
+index 000000000..8b1378917
 --- /dev/null
-+++ b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_004-repository-layout-architecture-plan_validation-report.md
-@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
-+# PR_26180_OWNER_004 Validation Report
-+
-+## Validation Commands
-+
-+| Command | Result |
-+|---|---|
-+| `git diff --check` | PASS |
-+| `npm run validate:canonical-structure` | PASS |
-+
-+## Canonical Structure Output
-+
-+```text
-+Canonical repository structure guardrail: PASS
-+Blocking violations: 0
-+Approved legacy exceptions: 501
-+```
-+
-+## Scope Validation
-+
-+No runtime, UI, API implementation, database implementation, or package command files changed.
-+
-+Playwright was not run because this is documentation/governance-only and no runtime/UI files changed.
++++ b/www/.gitkeep
+@@ -0,0 +1 @@
 +
diff --git a/www/.gitkeep b/www/.gitkeep
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8b1378917
--- /dev/null
+++ b/www/.gitkeep
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+