diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index ad3f1018a0..2b852a6023 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -181,6 +181,10 @@ This project uses pnpm with workspace configuration. The required version is spe
 - Import type enforcement enabled
 - Explicit `any` is discouraged (Biome's `noExplicitAny` rule is currently disabled); exhaustive dependencies warnings enabled
 
+## Local Checks vs. CI
+
+Linting, formatting, and typechecking (`pnpm lint`, `pnpm format`, `pnpm typecheck`) are all facets of the same static-quality gate, and CI runs them on every PR. Treat them as **advisory** while working locally: run them and fix obvious issues when it's convenient, but a failure in any of them should **not** block you from committing, pushing, or opening a PR. CI is the source of truth and will report anything that matters — don't get stuck iterating locally just to make these pass before handing off.
+
 ## Documentation Standards
 
 - README.md files in each package must accurately reflect the current functionality and purpose of that package