[FEATURE] Add a strict scope / guardrails mode to prevent unrelated changes

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
• [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)

Problem Statement

One issue I’ve run into while using Claude Code is that sometimes it becomes a bit too proactive and starts changing things outside the original request.

For example, I might ask Claude Code to fix a specific UI bug or update one function, but during the process it may also refactor unrelated files, rename things, reorganize logic, or introduce extra changes that I didn’t ask for.

I understand the intention is usually to improve the codebase, but in real projects this can create friction, especially when working in production codebases, team environments, or repositories with strict architecture rules.

Sometimes I only want a very targeted change without touching anything else.

A common example:

I ask:

Fix the navbar responsiveness issue

But the changes end up affecting styling structure, shared utilities, config files, or unrelated components.

This makes reviews harder and sometimes creates unintended side effects. I often find myself spending extra time checking what changed outside the original scope.

Proposed Solution

It would be really helpful to have a strict scope / guardrails mode that keeps Claude Code focused on the requested boundaries unless explicit approval is given.
For Example:
claude --strict-scope
Or a toggle in settings like:

“Stay within requested scope”

In this mode, Claude Code would:

Prioritize minimal, targeted changes
Avoid refactoring unrelated code
Avoid modifying files outside the requested area unless necessary
Ask for approval before crossing boundaries

Example workflow:

User request:

Fix navbar responsiveness

Claude detects additional changes may be needed:
This task may require changes outside the requested scope.

Affected files:

• navbar.tsx
• theme.ts
• shared/styles.css

Reason:
Responsive behavior depends on shared styling variables.

Approve expanded scope?

This would help developers feel more in control, especially in larger projects where even small unintended changes can create problems.

Alternative Solutions

_No response_

Priority

Medium - Would be very helpful

Feature Category

CLI commands and flags

Use Case Example

_No response_

Additional Context

Additional Context

Claude Code is incredibly powerful when helping with implementation, but sometimes it feels a little too eager to “improve” things beyond the task that was actually requested.

A feature like this would make it easier to trust changes in production codebases and would reduce the need to repeatedly say things like:

“Only change this file”
“Do not refactor anything else”
“Keep changes minimal”

I think this would be especially useful for teams, enterprise repositories, and anyone working with sensitive or structured codebases.