Why Browser-Only Editing & Default Git Permissions Put Agencies at Risk
Editing complex funnel CSS, custom scripts, or AI Studio apps inside a browser modal gives you zero local linting, zero branch reviews, and no instant rollback. Worse, HighLevel's default role settings allow VAs or contractors to modify Git connections unless locked down.
Local `ghl-crm vibe` Sync + Least-Privilege Role Presets
- Pulls HighLevel AI Studio (`vibe`) projects and funnel layout specs into a local Git repository for editing in Cursor, Claude Code, Windsurf, or Antigravity.
- Diffs local changes against the live remote state hash before pushing updates (`--dry-run` by default).
- Locks down staff permissions with `ghl-agency user create --preset va-support|sales-rep` so contractors cannot export contacts or alter Git/billing settings.
- Integrates with `ghl-agency announcements loop` to alert you whenever HighLevel adds new permission flags.
Side-by-Side Technical & Pricing Comparison
| Capability / Requirement | HighLevel Browser Editor | Standard GHL API Connectors | HighLevel Agency & Builder MCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local IDE Editing (Cursor, Claude Code, VS Code) | ❌ Browser tab only | ❌ No Vibe or layout endpoints | ✅ Pull, diff & publish directly from local repo |
| Stale-State Hash Check Before Push | ❌ Last save silently wins | ❌ None | ✅ Blocks push if remote changed since pull |
| Least-Privilege Staff Role Lockdown | ⚠️ Manage Git enabled by default | ❌ Raw user JSON only | ✅ Locked `va-support` & `sales-rep` presets |
| 1-Command Contractor Offboarding | ⚠️ Manual per-user click-through | ❌ No verified offboard flow | ✅ `user offboard` strips locations & verifies read-back |
CLI & MCP Configuration
# 1. List AI Studio (Vibe) apps in a sub-account
ghl-crm vibe list --location <LOCATION_ID> --json
# 2. Provision a VA with locked least-privilege permissions (no export, no billing)
ghl-agency user create --preset va-support --locations <LOCATION_ID> --email va@agency.com --first-name Alex --last-name Rivera --dry-run
# 3. Offboard a departing contractor and verify 0 remaining locations
ghl-agency user offboard --id <USER_ID> --yesCopy-Paste AI Prompt
List all AI Studio Vibe apps in sub-account <LOCATION_ID>, audit user permissions on that location, and generate a dry-run plan to provision our new VA using the `va-support` least-privilege preset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did HighLevel's AI Studio Git Sync create a permission risk?
HighLevel's changelog noted that 'Manage Git' defaulted to enabled across roles on launch. Using our `va-support` and `sales-rep` presets ensures contractors only receive explicitly authorized capabilities.
Can I offboard a contractor from 30 sub-accounts in one command?
Yes. `ghl-agency user offboard --id <USER_ID> --yes` strips all sub-account assignments and verifies `assigned_location_count == 0` via immediate read-back.