diff --git a/src/app/(dashboard)/cards/[id]/page.tsx b/src/app/(dashboard)/cards/[id]/page.tsx
index 04c4540..6b07189 100644
--- a/src/app/(dashboard)/cards/[id]/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(dashboard)/cards/[id]/page.tsx
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ import {
 import { Switch } from "@/components/ui/switch";
 import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
 import { useUserProfile } from "@/lib/user-profile";
+import { can } from "@/lib/permissions";
 import { DynamicField, type FormFieldDef } from "@/components/cards/dynamic-field";
 
 const SECTION_LABELS: Record<string, string> = {
@@ -167,6 +168,10 @@ export default function CardDetailPage() {
   const isAdmin = role === "admin" || role === "owner";
   const isReviewer = role === "reviewer";
   const isViewer = role === "viewer";
+  const canEditAnyCard = can(role, "cards.edit");
+  const canReprocess = can(role, "cards.reprocess");
+  const canAssign = can(role, "cards.assign");
+  const canExport = can(role, "cards.edit");
 
   const [card, setCard] = React.useState<CardData | null>(null);
   const [loadError, setLoadError] = React.useState(false);
@@ -186,8 +191,8 @@ export default function CardDetailPage() {
   const [fieldDataEdits, setFieldDataEdits] = React.useState<Record<string, unknown>>({});
 
   const isAssignedToMe = card?.assignedToId && userId === card.assignedToId;
-  const canEdit = isAdmin || (isReviewer && isAssignedToMe);
-  const canMarkComplete = isAdmin || (isReviewer && isAssignedToMe);
+  const canEdit = canEditAnyCard || (isReviewer && !!isAssignedToMe);
+  const canMarkComplete = canEditAnyCard || (isReviewer && !!isAssignedToMe);
 
   const fetchCard = React.useCallback(async () => {
     setLoading(true);
@@ -223,12 +228,12 @@ export default function CardDetailPage() {
   }, [fetchCard]);
 
   React.useEffect(() => {
-    if (!isAdmin) return;
+    if (!canAssign) return;
     fetch("/api/users")
       .then((r) => r.json())
       .then((data) => setUsers(data.users || []))
       .catch(() => {});
-  }, [isAdmin]);
+  }, [canAssign]);
 
   React.useEffect(() => {
     const params = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search);
@@ -589,7 +594,7 @@ export default function CardDetailPage() {
 
       <Header title={String(card.name || "Unnamed Card")} icon={ScanLine}>
         <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-2">
-          {isAdmin && ocrStatus !== "processing" && (
+          {canReprocess && ocrStatus !== "processing" && (
             <Button variant="outline" size="sm" className="rounded-xl" onClick={handleReprocess} disabled={reprocessing}>
               {reprocessing ? (
                 <><Loader2 className="mr-1 size-4 animate-spin" /> Reprocessing...</>
@@ -618,7 +623,7 @@ export default function CardDetailPage() {
               )}
             </Button>
           )}
-          {isAdmin && users.length > 0 && (
+          {canAssign && users.length > 0 && (
             <Select onValueChange={(v: string | null) => { if (v) handleReassign(v); }}>
               <SelectTrigger className="w-[160px] rounded-xl h-8 text-sm">
                 <SelectValue placeholder="Reassign..." />
@@ -635,7 +640,7 @@ export default function CardDetailPage() {
               <Check className="mr-1 size-4" /> Mark Complete
             </Button>
           )}
-          {isAdmin && reviewStatus !== "exported" && (
+          {canExport && reviewStatus !== "exported" && (
             <Button variant="outline" size="sm" className="rounded-xl" onClick={handleExport}>
               <Download className="mr-1 size-4" /> Export
             </Button>
diff --git a/src/app/(dashboard)/settings/users/page.tsx b/src/app/(dashboard)/settings/users/page.tsx
index 27040de..d8ee340 100644
--- a/src/app/(dashboard)/settings/users/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(dashboard)/settings/users/page.tsx
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import {
 import { Button } from "@/components/ui/button";
 import { Input } from "@/components/ui/input";
 import { Label } from "@/components/ui/label";
+import { isAdminRole } from "@/lib/permissions";
 import {
   Card,
   CardContent,
@@ -91,7 +92,7 @@ export default function UsersSettingsPage() {
   }, [fetchData]);
 
   const myMembership = members.find((m) => m.user.id === session?.user?.id);
-  const isAdmin = myMembership && ["owner", "admin"].includes(myMembership.role);
+  const isAdmin = isAdminRole(myMembership?.role);
 
   const handleInvite = async (e: React.FormEvent) => {
     e.preventDefault();
diff --git a/src/app/api/cards/[id]/export/route.ts b/src/app/api/cards/[id]/export/route.ts
index c3af169..801040c 100644
--- a/src/app/api/cards/[id]/export/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/cards/[id]/export/route.ts
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ export async function POST(
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg("cards.edit");
     const { id } = await params;
     const card = await prisma.responseCard.findUnique({
       where: { id },
diff --git a/src/app/api/cards/[id]/reprocess/route.ts b/src/app/api/cards/[id]/reprocess/route.ts
index c66738a..a33d66f 100644
--- a/src/app/api/cards/[id]/reprocess/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/cards/[id]/reprocess/route.ts
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ export async function POST(
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg("cards.reprocess");
     const { id } = await params;
     const card = await prisma.responseCard.findUnique({ where: { id } });
 
diff --git a/src/app/api/cards/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/cards/[id]/route.ts
index 578a906..958abd2 100644
--- a/src/app/api/cards/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/cards/[id]/route.ts
@@ -3,8 +3,8 @@ import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
 import { deleteObject } from "@/lib/storage";
 import { fireIntegrationEvent } from "@/lib/integrations";
 import { logActivity, diffCardFields } from "@/lib/activity-log";
-import { RoleError } from "@/lib/auth";
 import { requireApiAuthWithOrg, handleApiError } from "@/lib/api-auth";
+import { can } from "@/lib/permissions";
 
 export async function GET(
   _request: NextRequest,
@@ -60,11 +60,20 @@ export async function PUT(
       return NextResponse.json({ error: "Card not found" }, { status: 404 });
     }
 
-    if (user.role === "viewer") {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Viewers cannot edit cards" }, { status: 403 });
-    }
-    if (user.role === "reviewer" && card.assignedToId !== user.id) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "You can only edit cards assigned to you" }, { status: 403 });
+    // Editors and above can edit any card; reviewers can edit cards assigned
+    // to them; viewers cannot edit at all.
+    const canEditAnyCard = can(user.role, "cards.edit");
+    const canReviewAssigned =
+      can(user.role, "cards.review") && card.assignedToId === user.id;
+    if (!canEditAnyCard && !canReviewAssigned) {
+      return NextResponse.json(
+        {
+          error: canEditAnyCard === false && user.role === "reviewer"
+            ? "You can only edit cards assigned to you"
+            : "You don't have permission to edit cards",
+        },
+        { status: 403 }
+      );
     }
 
     const body = await request.json().catch(() => ({}));
@@ -171,9 +180,6 @@ export async function PUT(
 
     return NextResponse.json(updated);
   } catch (error) {
-    if (error instanceof RoleError) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: error.message }, { status: 403 });
-    }
     return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
@@ -183,10 +189,7 @@ export async function DELETE(
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
-    if (session.user.role !== "admin" && session.user.role !== "owner") {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Only admins can delete cards" }, { status: 403 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg("cards.delete");
 
     const { id } = await params;
     const card = await prisma.responseCard.findUnique({
diff --git a/src/app/api/cards/assign/route.ts b/src/app/api/cards/assign/route.ts
index 54641fd..11646ff 100644
--- a/src/app/api/cards/assign/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/cards/assign/route.ts
@@ -6,11 +6,7 @@ import { requireApiAuthWithOrg, handleApiError } from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function POST(req: NextRequest) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
-    const role = session.user.role;
-    if (!role || !["admin", "owner"].includes(role)) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Insufficient permissions" }, { status: 403 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg("cards.assign");
     const user = await prisma.user.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: session.user.id } });
 
     const body = await req.json();
diff --git a/src/app/api/cards/reprocess-batch/route.ts b/src/app/api/cards/reprocess-batch/route.ts
index d131205..538b66d 100644
--- a/src/app/api/cards/reprocess-batch/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/cards/reprocess-batch/route.ts
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ const DELAY_BETWEEN_CARDS_MS = 3_000;
 
 export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg("cards.reprocess");
     const body = await request.json().catch(() => ({}));
     const ids = body.ids as string[] | undefined;
 
diff --git a/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/fields/[fieldId]/route.ts b/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/fields/[fieldId]/route.ts
index 2900bdb..c965671 100644
--- a/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/fields/[fieldId]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/fields/[fieldId]/route.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
-import { requireApiAuthWithOrg, handleApiError } from "@/lib/api-auth";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 type RouteContext = { params: Promise<{ id: string; fieldId: string }> };
 
@@ -21,7 +24,7 @@ async function getOwnedField(templateId: string, fieldId: string, orgId: string)
 
 export async function PUT(request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("settings.edit");
     const { id, fieldId } = await ctx.params;
 
     const field = await getOwnedField(id, fieldId, session.user.orgId!);
@@ -76,7 +79,7 @@ export async function PUT(request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
 
 export async function DELETE(_request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("settings.edit");
     const { id, fieldId } = await ctx.params;
 
     const field = await getOwnedField(id, fieldId, session.user.orgId!);
diff --git a/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/fields/route.ts b/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/fields/route.ts
index d255caf..d1a4548 100644
--- a/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/fields/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/fields/route.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,11 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
 import { Prisma } from "@/generated/prisma/client";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
-import { requireApiAuthWithOrg, handleApiError } from "@/lib/api-auth";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithOrg,
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 type RouteContext = { params: Promise<{ id: string }> };
 
@@ -39,7 +43,7 @@ export async function GET(_request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
 
 export async function POST(request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("settings.edit");
     const { id } = await ctx.params;
 
     if (!(await verifyTemplateOwnership(id, session.user.orgId!))) {
@@ -103,7 +107,7 @@ export async function POST(request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
 
 export async function PUT(request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("settings.edit");
     const { id } = await ctx.params;
 
     if (!(await verifyTemplateOwnership(id, session.user.orgId!))) {
diff --git a/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/route.ts
index b0e9f8a..ab1f024 100644
--- a/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/form-templates/[id]/route.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,10 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
-import { requireApiAuthWithOrg, handleApiError } from "@/lib/api-auth";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithOrg,
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 type RouteContext = { params: Promise<{ id: string }> };
 
@@ -37,7 +41,7 @@ export async function GET(_request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
 
 export async function PUT(request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("settings.edit");
     const { id } = await ctx.params;
 
     const existing = await getOwnedTemplate(id, session.user.orgId!);
@@ -81,7 +85,7 @@ export async function PUT(request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
 
 export async function DELETE(_request: NextRequest, ctx: RouteContext) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("settings.edit");
     const { id } = await ctx.params;
 
     const existing = await getOwnedTemplate(id, session.user.orgId!);
diff --git a/src/app/api/form-templates/route.ts b/src/app/api/form-templates/route.ts
index 0386287..115693c 100644
--- a/src/app/api/form-templates/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/form-templates/route.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,11 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
 import { Prisma } from "@/generated/prisma/client";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
-import { requireApiAuthWithOrg, handleApiError } from "@/lib/api-auth";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithOrg,
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function GET(request: NextRequest) {
   try {
@@ -44,7 +48,7 @@ function slugify(name: string): string {
 
 export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("settings.edit");
     const body = await request.json();
 
     const { name, description, duplicateFrom } = body as {
diff --git a/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/fields/route.ts b/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/fields/route.ts
index 586406d..0bf968a 100644
--- a/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/fields/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/fields/route.ts
@@ -1,17 +1,17 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
-import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
 import { getProvider } from "@/lib/integrations/registry";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function GET(
   _req: NextRequest,
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("integrations.manage");
 
     const { id } = await params;
     const integration = await prisma.integration.findFirst({
@@ -37,10 +37,6 @@ export async function GET(
     const fields = await provider.getExternalFields(configWithId);
     return NextResponse.json({ fields });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[integrations/[id]/fields] error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to fetch fields" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/route.ts
index 2fa64ea..0aa4c74 100644
--- a/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/route.ts
@@ -1,16 +1,17 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
-import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithOrg,
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function GET(
   _req: NextRequest,
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
 
     const { id } = await params;
     const integration = await prisma.integration.findFirst({
@@ -26,11 +27,7 @@ export async function GET(
 
     return NextResponse.json({ integration });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[integrations/[id]] GET error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to fetch integration" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
 
@@ -39,10 +36,7 @@ export async function PUT(
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("integrations.manage");
 
     const { id } = await params;
     const existing = await prisma.integration.findFirst({
@@ -73,11 +67,7 @@ export async function PUT(
 
     return NextResponse.json({ integration });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[integrations/[id]] PUT error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to update integration" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
 
@@ -86,10 +76,7 @@ export async function DELETE(
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("integrations.manage");
 
     const { id } = await params;
     const existing = await prisma.integration.findFirst({
@@ -106,10 +93,6 @@ export async function DELETE(
 
     return NextResponse.json({ success: true });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[integrations/[id]] DELETE error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to delete integration" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/sync/route.ts b/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/sync/route.ts
index aae551b..ec876d4 100644
--- a/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/sync/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/sync/route.ts
@@ -1,19 +1,19 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
-import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
 import { getProvider } from "@/lib/integrations/registry";
 import { flattenCardFieldData } from "@/lib/integrations";
 import type { CardData } from "@/lib/integrations/types";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function POST(
   req: NextRequest,
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("integrations.manage");
 
     const { id } = await params;
     const integration = await prisma.integration.findFirst({
@@ -88,10 +88,6 @@ export async function POST(
       total: cards.length,
     });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[integrations/[id]/sync] error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Sync failed" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/test/route.ts b/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/test/route.ts
index e18d946..c9c1219 100644
--- a/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/test/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/integrations/[id]/test/route.ts
@@ -1,17 +1,17 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
-import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
 import { getProvider } from "@/lib/integrations/registry";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function POST(
   _req: NextRequest,
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("integrations.manage");
 
     const { id } = await params;
     const integration = await prisma.integration.findFirst({
@@ -49,10 +49,6 @@ export async function POST(
 
     return NextResponse.json(result);
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[integrations/[id]/test] error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Test failed" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/integrations/route.ts b/src/app/api/integrations/route.ts
index 1d2fc01..345d3ef 100644
--- a/src/app/api/integrations/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/integrations/route.ts
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
-import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
 import { getAllProviders } from "@/lib/integrations/registry";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithOrg,
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function GET() {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
 
     const integrations = await prisma.integration.findMany({
       where: { organizationId: session.user.orgId },
@@ -29,20 +30,13 @@ export async function GET() {
 
     return NextResponse.json({ integrations, providers });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[integrations] GET error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to fetch integrations" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
 
 export async function POST(req: NextRequest) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("integrations.manage");
 
     const body = await req.json();
     const { provider, name, config, fieldMapping, triggerEvents } = body;
@@ -68,10 +62,6 @@ export async function POST(req: NextRequest) {
 
     return NextResponse.json({ integration });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[integrations] POST error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to create integration" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/locations/route.ts b/src/app/api/locations/route.ts
index 121953c..78a1547 100644
--- a/src/app/api/locations/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/locations/route.ts
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ export async function GET() {
 
 export async function POST(req: NextRequest) {
   try {
-    const user = await requireAuth("events.manage");
+    const user = await requireAuth("settings.edit");
     if (!user.orgId) {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: "No organization" }, { status: 400 });
     }
diff --git a/src/app/api/org/invitations/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/org/invitations/[id]/route.ts
index 2da84c7..a8933e3 100644
--- a/src/app/api/org/invitations/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/org/invitations/[id]/route.ts
@@ -1,33 +1,14 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
-import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
 import { sendInvitationEmail } from "@/lib/email-sender";
-
-async function requireAdmin(orgId: string, userId: string) {
-  const membership = await prisma.orgMember.findFirst({
-    where: { userId, organizationId: orgId },
-  });
-  if (!membership || !["owner", "admin"].includes(membership.role)) {
-    return null;
-  }
-  return membership;
-}
+import { requireApiAuthWithPermission, handleApiError } from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function POST(
   req: NextRequest,
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId || !session.user.id) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
-
-    const callerMembership = await requireAdmin(session.user.orgId, session.user.id);
-    if (!callerMembership) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Forbidden" }, { status: 403 });
-    }
-
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("users.invite");
     const { id } = await params;
 
     const invitation = await prisma.invitation.findFirst({
@@ -60,8 +41,7 @@ export async function POST(
 
     return NextResponse.json({ success: true, message: "Invitation resent" });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[org/invitations/[id]] POST error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json({ error: "Failed to resend invitation" }, { status: 500 });
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
 
@@ -70,16 +50,7 @@ export async function DELETE(
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId || !session.user.id) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
-
-    const callerMembership = await requireAdmin(session.user.orgId, session.user.id);
-    if (!callerMembership) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Forbidden" }, { status: 403 });
-    }
-
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("users.invite");
     const { id } = await params;
 
     const invitation = await prisma.invitation.findFirst({
@@ -94,7 +65,6 @@ export async function DELETE(
 
     return NextResponse.json({ success: true });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[org/invitations/[id]] DELETE error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json({ error: "Failed to revoke invitation" }, { status: 500 });
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/org/invitations/route.ts b/src/app/api/org/invitations/route.ts
index 310911f..4e52f79 100644
--- a/src/app/api/org/invitations/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/org/invitations/route.ts
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
-import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
 import { sendInvitationEmail } from "@/lib/email-sender";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithOrg,
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function GET() {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg("users.view");
 
     const invitations = await prisma.invitation.findMany({
       where: { organizationId: session.user.orgId, acceptedAt: null },
@@ -24,31 +25,13 @@ export async function GET() {
 
     return NextResponse.json({ invitations });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[org/invitations] GET error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to fetch invitations" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
 
 export async function POST(req: NextRequest) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
-
-    const membership = await prisma.orgMember.findFirst({
-      where: {
-        userId: session.user.id,
-        organizationId: session.user.orgId,
-      },
-    });
-
-    if (!membership || !["owner", "admin"].includes(membership.role)) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Forbidden" }, { status: 403 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("users.invite");
 
     const { email, role } = await req.json();
 
@@ -113,10 +96,6 @@ export async function POST(req: NextRequest) {
 
     return NextResponse.json({ success: true });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[org/invitations] POST error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to create invitation" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/org/locations/route.ts b/src/app/api/org/locations/route.ts
index 894704b..1d35699 100644
--- a/src/app/api/org/locations/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/org/locations/route.ts
@@ -1,13 +1,14 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
-import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithOrg,
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function GET() {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
 
     const locations = await prisma.location.findMany({
       where: { organizationId: session.user.orgId },
@@ -29,31 +30,13 @@ export async function GET() {
 
     return NextResponse.json({ locations });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[org/locations] GET error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to fetch locations" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
 
 export async function POST(req: NextRequest) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
-
-    const membership = await prisma.orgMember.findFirst({
-      where: {
-        userId: session.user.id,
-        organizationId: session.user.orgId,
-      },
-    });
-
-    if (!membership || !["owner", "admin", "editor"].includes(membership.role)) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Forbidden" }, { status: 403 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("settings.edit");
 
     const { name, address } = await req.json();
 
@@ -74,10 +57,6 @@ export async function POST(req: NextRequest) {
 
     return NextResponse.json({ location });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[org/locations] POST error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to create location" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/org/members/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/org/members/[id]/route.ts
index 7c0925c..8d28d9a 100644
--- a/src/app/api/org/members/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/org/members/[id]/route.ts
@@ -1,34 +1,15 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
-import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
+import { requireApiAuthWithPermission, handleApiError } from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 const VALID_ROLES = ["viewer", "reviewer", "editor", "admin"];
 
-async function requireAdmin(orgId: string, userId: string) {
-  const membership = await prisma.orgMember.findFirst({
-    where: { userId, organizationId: orgId },
-  });
-  if (!membership || !["owner", "admin"].includes(membership.role)) {
-    return null;
-  }
-  return membership;
-}
-
 export async function PATCH(
   req: NextRequest,
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId || !session.user.id) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
-
-    const callerMembership = await requireAdmin(session.user.orgId, session.user.id);
-    if (!callerMembership) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Forbidden" }, { status: 403 });
-    }
-
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("users.invite");
     const { id } = await params;
     const { role } = await req.json();
 
@@ -69,8 +50,7 @@ export async function PATCH(
 
     return NextResponse.json({ member: updated });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[org/members/[id]] PATCH error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json({ error: "Failed to update member" }, { status: 500 });
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
 
@@ -79,16 +59,7 @@ export async function DELETE(
   { params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }
 ) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId || !session.user.id) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
-
-    const callerMembership = await requireAdmin(session.user.orgId, session.user.id);
-    if (!callerMembership) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Forbidden" }, { status: 403 });
-    }
-
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("users.invite");
     const { id } = await params;
 
     const target = await prisma.orgMember.findFirst({
@@ -123,7 +94,6 @@ export async function DELETE(
 
     return NextResponse.json({ success: true });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[org/members/[id]] DELETE error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json({ error: "Failed to remove member" }, { status: 500 });
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/org/route.ts b/src/app/api/org/route.ts
index be44bdf..51efc7f 100644
--- a/src/app/api/org/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/org/route.ts
@@ -1,13 +1,14 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
-import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
+import {
+  requireApiAuthWithOrg,
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function GET() {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
 
     const organization = await prisma.organization.findUnique({
       where: { id: session.user.orgId },
@@ -30,11 +31,7 @@ export async function GET() {
 
     return NextResponse.json({ organization });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[org] GET error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to fetch organization" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
 
@@ -47,21 +44,7 @@ function slugify(name: string): string {
 
 export async function PUT(req: NextRequest) {
   try {
-    const session = await auth();
-    if (!session?.user?.orgId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
-    }
-
-    const membership = await prisma.orgMember.findFirst({
-      where: {
-        userId: session.user.id,
-        organizationId: session.user.orgId,
-      },
-    });
-
-    if (!membership || !["owner", "admin"].includes(membership.role)) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: "Forbidden" }, { status: 403 });
-    }
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithPermission("settings.edit");
 
     const { name, type, timezone, allowedDomains } = await req.json();
 
@@ -85,10 +68,6 @@ export async function PUT(req: NextRequest) {
 
     return NextResponse.json({ success: true });
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error("[org] PUT error:", error);
-    return NextResponse.json(
-      { error: "Failed to update organization" },
-      { status: 500 }
-    );
+    return handleApiError(error);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/settings/route.ts b/src/app/api/settings/route.ts
index 9e40021..d62e672 100644
--- a/src/app/api/settings/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/settings/route.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,10 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
-import { requireApiAuth, handleApiError } from "@/lib/api-auth";
+import {
+  requireApiAuth,
+  requireApiAuthWithPermission,
+  handleApiError,
+} from "@/lib/api-auth";
 
 export async function GET() {
   try {
@@ -29,7 +33,7 @@ export async function GET() {
 
 export async function PUT(request: NextRequest) {
   try {
-    await requireApiAuth();
+    await requireApiAuthWithPermission("settings.edit");
     const body = await request.json().catch(() => ({}));
     const data: Record<string, unknown> = {};
 
diff --git a/src/app/api/upload/route.ts b/src/app/api/upload/route.ts
index 8779df5..47b26be 100644
--- a/src/app/api/upload/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/upload/route.ts
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ const ALLOWED_TYPES = [
 
 export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
   try {
-    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg();
+    const session = await requireApiAuthWithOrg("uploads.create");
     const formData = await request.formData();
     const files = [
       ...(formData.getAll("files") as File[]),
diff --git a/src/components/cards/dashboard-content.tsx b/src/components/cards/dashboard-content.tsx
index 6e202bc..f4085d1 100644
--- a/src/components/cards/dashboard-content.tsx
+++ b/src/components/cards/dashboard-content.tsx
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import { SelectionToolbar } from "./selection-toolbar";
 import { UploadModal, type UploadingFile } from "./upload-modal";
 import { createColumns, COPYABLE_FIELDS, type ResponseCard } from "./columns";
 import { useUserProfile } from "@/lib/user-profile";
+import { can } from "@/lib/permissions";
 
 const VISIT_TYPE_OPTIONS = [
   "First/Second Time Guest",
@@ -40,7 +41,12 @@ export function DashboardContent() {
   const searchParams = useSearchParams();
   const pathname = usePathname();
   const { role } = useUserProfile();
-  const isAdmin = role === "admin" || role === "owner";
+  const canUpload = can(role, "uploads.create");
+  const canEditCards = can(role, "cards.edit");
+  const canReview = can(role, "cards.review");
+  const canReprocess = can(role, "cards.reprocess");
+  const canDelete = can(role, "cards.delete");
+  const canAssign = can(role, "cards.assign");
 
   const page = parseInt(searchParams.get("page") || "1");
   const limit = parseInt(searchParams.get("limit") || "20");
@@ -285,7 +291,7 @@ export function DashboardContent() {
     () =>
       createColumns({
         onViewDetails: (card) => router.push(`/cards/${card.id}`),
-        onMarkReviewed: isAdmin
+        onMarkReviewed: canReview
           ? async (card) => {
               await fetch(`/api/cards/${card.id}`, {
                 method: "PUT",
@@ -296,7 +302,7 @@ export function DashboardContent() {
               fetchCards();
             }
           : undefined,
-        onReprocess: isAdmin
+        onReprocess: canReprocess
           ? async (card) => {
               try {
                 const res = await fetch(`/api/cards/${card.id}/reprocess`, {
@@ -315,7 +321,7 @@ export function DashboardContent() {
               }
             }
           : undefined,
-        onDelete: isAdmin
+        onDelete: canDelete
           ? async (card) => {
               await fetch(`/api/cards/${card.id}`, { method: "DELETE" });
               toast.success("Card deleted");
@@ -323,7 +329,7 @@ export function DashboardContent() {
             }
           : undefined,
       }),
-    [router, fetchCards, isAdmin]
+    [router, fetchCards, canReview, canReprocess, canDelete]
   );
 
   const handleUploadStart = (files: UploadingFile[]) => {
@@ -397,6 +403,7 @@ export function DashboardContent() {
   }, []);
 
   React.useEffect(() => {
+    if (!canUpload) return;
     const handleDragOver = (e: DragEvent) => {
       e.preventDefault();
       if (e.dataTransfer?.types.includes("Files")) {
@@ -426,7 +433,7 @@ export function DashboardContent() {
       document.removeEventListener("dragleave", handleDragLeave);
       document.removeEventListener("drop", handleDrop);
     };
-  }, []);
+  }, [canUpload]);
 
   const openUpload = React.useCallback(() => {
     setUploadModalOpen(true);
@@ -474,7 +481,7 @@ export function DashboardContent() {
         attendanceDurationOptions={ATTENDANCE_OPTIONS}
         serviceAttendedOptions={SERVICE_OPTIONS}
         onExportCsv={handleExportCsv}
-        onUploadClick={isAdmin ? openUpload : undefined}
+        onUploadClick={canUpload ? openUpload : undefined}
         columnVisibility={columnVisibility}
         onColumnVisibilityChange={setColumnVisibility}
         showAssignedToFilter
@@ -499,7 +506,7 @@ export function DashboardContent() {
           onSelectionChange={setSelectedIds}
           hasActiveFilters={hasActiveFilters}
           onClearFilters={clearFilters}
-          onUploadClick={isAdmin ? openUpload : undefined}
+          onUploadClick={canUpload ? openUpload : undefined}
         />
       </div>
 
@@ -507,12 +514,12 @@ export function DashboardContent() {
       <SelectionToolbar
         selectedIds={selectedIds}
         selectedRows={selectedRows}
-        onMarkReviewed={isAdmin ? (ids) => handleBulkAction(ids, "reviewed") : undefined}
-        onMarkExported={isAdmin ? (ids) => handleBulkAction(ids, "exported") : undefined}
-        onReprocess={isAdmin ? handleBulkReprocess : undefined}
-        onSyncMonday={isAdmin ? handleBulkSyncMonday : undefined}
-        onAssign={isAdmin ? handleAssign : undefined}
-        onDelete={isAdmin ? (ids) => handleBulkAction(ids, "delete") : undefined}
+        onMarkReviewed={canReview ? (ids) => handleBulkAction(ids, "reviewed") : undefined}
+        onMarkExported={canEditCards ? (ids) => handleBulkAction(ids, "exported") : undefined}
+        onReprocess={canReprocess ? handleBulkReprocess : undefined}
+        onSyncMonday={canReprocess ? handleBulkSyncMonday : undefined}
+        onAssign={canAssign ? handleAssign : undefined}
+        onDelete={canDelete ? (ids) => handleBulkAction(ids, "delete") : undefined}
         onClear={() => setSelectedIds([])}
       />
 
diff --git a/src/components/layout/sidebar.tsx b/src/components/layout/sidebar.tsx
index 8a6648b..73aad2f 100644
--- a/src/components/layout/sidebar.tsx
+++ b/src/components/layout/sidebar.tsx
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ import {
 } from "@/components/ui/tooltip";
 import { ScrollArea } from "@/components/ui/scroll-area";
 import { OrgSwitcher } from "@/components/layout/org-switcher";
+import { useUserProfile } from "@/lib/user-profile";
+import { isAdminRole } from "@/lib/permissions";
 
 const STORAGE_KEY = "echo-sidebar-collapsed";
 
@@ -139,6 +141,11 @@ function NavItem({
 export function Sidebar() {
   const pathname = usePathname();
   const { collapsed, toggle } = useSidebar();
+  const { role } = useUserProfile();
+  const canManageSettings = isAdminRole(role);
+  const visibleBottomItems = bottomItems.filter(
+    (item) => item.href !== "/settings" || canManageSettings
+  );
 
   return (
     <aside
@@ -176,7 +183,7 @@ export function Sidebar() {
           collapsed && "px-2"
         )}
       >
-        {bottomItems.map((item) => (
+        {visibleBottomItems.map((item) => (
           <NavItem
             key={item.href}
             {...item}
diff --git a/src/components/layout/top-bar.tsx b/src/components/layout/top-bar.tsx
index 08998e1..f8481a8 100644
--- a/src/components/layout/top-bar.tsx
+++ b/src/components/layout/top-bar.tsx
@@ -32,11 +32,13 @@ import {
   TooltipTrigger,
 } from "@/components/ui/tooltip";
 import { useUserProfile } from "@/lib/user-profile";
+import { isAdminRole } from "@/lib/permissions";
 import { NotificationCenter } from "@/components/notifications/notification-center";
 
 export function TopBar() {
   const { theme, setTheme } = useTheme();
-  const { profile, initials } = useUserProfile();
+  const { profile, initials, role } = useUserProfile();
+  const canManageSettings = isAdminRole(role);
 
   const handleUploadClick = () => {
     window.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent("open-upload-modal"));
@@ -145,10 +147,12 @@ export function TopBar() {
               <UserCircle className="size-4" />
               Profile
             </DropdownMenuItem>
-            <DropdownMenuItem render={<Link href="/settings" />}>
-              <Settings className="size-4" />
-              Settings
-            </DropdownMenuItem>
+            {canManageSettings && (
+              <DropdownMenuItem render={<Link href="/settings" />}>
+                <Settings className="size-4" />
+                Settings
+              </DropdownMenuItem>
+            )}
             <DropdownMenuSeparator />
             <DropdownMenuItem
               onClick={() => window.open("mailto:support@echoocr.app", "_blank")}
diff --git a/src/lib/api-auth.ts b/src/lib/api-auth.ts
index 1b1d527..39f7e03 100644
--- a/src/lib/api-auth.ts
+++ b/src/lib/api-auth.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 import { auth } from "@/auth";
 import { NextResponse } from "next/server";
+import type { Session } from "next-auth";
+import { type Action, PermissionError, can } from "@/lib/permissions";
 
 export class ApiAuthError extends Error {
   constructor(message = "Unauthorized") {
@@ -8,7 +10,11 @@ export class ApiAuthError extends Error {
   }
 }
 
-export async function requireApiAuth() {
+export type OrgSession = Session & {
+  user: Session["user"] & { id: string; orgId: string };
+};
+
+export async function requireApiAuth(): Promise<Session> {
   const session = await auth();
   if (!session?.user?.id) {
     throw new ApiAuthError();
@@ -16,18 +22,40 @@ export async function requireApiAuth() {
   return session;
 }
 
-export async function requireApiAuthWithOrg() {
+export async function requireApiAuthWithOrg(
+  action?: Action
+): Promise<OrgSession> {
   const session = await auth();
   if (!session?.user?.id || !session.user.orgId) {
     throw new ApiAuthError();
   }
-  return session;
+  if (action && !can(session.user.role, action)) {
+    throw new PermissionError(`Missing permission: ${action}`, action);
+  }
+  return session as OrgSession;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Shorthand for routes that require an authenticated org member with a
+ * specific permission. Always throws; callers should wrap with
+ * handleApiError so the correct HTTP status is returned.
+ */
+export async function requireApiAuthWithPermission(
+  action: Action
+): Promise<OrgSession> {
+  return requireApiAuthWithOrg(action);
 }
 
 export function handleApiError(error: unknown) {
   if (error instanceof ApiAuthError) {
     return NextResponse.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
   }
+  if (error instanceof PermissionError) {
+    return NextResponse.json(
+      { error: error.message, action: error.action },
+      { status: 403 }
+    );
+  }
   console.error("[API Error]", error);
   return NextResponse.json({ error: "Internal server error" }, { status: 500 });
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/permissions.ts b/src/lib/permissions.ts
index 41306c3..ab629d2 100644
--- a/src/lib/permissions.ts
+++ b/src/lib/permissions.ts
@@ -1,25 +1,39 @@
 export type Role = "owner" | "admin" | "editor" | "reviewer" | "viewer";
 
+export const ROLES: readonly Role[] = [
+  "owner",
+  "admin",
+  "editor",
+  "reviewer",
+  "viewer",
+] as const;
+
 export type Action =
+  // Read
   | "cards.view"
-  | "cards.create"
-  | "cards.edit"
-  | "cards.delete"
-  | "cards.assign"
-  | "cards.review"
   | "cards.export"
   | "events.view"
-  | "events.manage"
   | "people.view"
   | "reports.view"
+  | "settings.view"
+  // Review (reviewer+)
+  | "cards.review"
+  // Edit (editor+)
+  | "cards.create"
+  | "cards.edit"
   | "uploads.create"
+  | "events.manage"
+  // Admin (admin+)
+  | "cards.delete"
+  | "cards.assign"
+  | "cards.reprocess"
   | "users.view"
   | "users.invite"
-  | "users.manage"
-  | "settings.view"
   | "settings.edit"
-  | "org.manage"
-  | "integrations.manage";
+  | "integrations.manage"
+  // Owner
+  | "users.manage"
+  | "org.manage";
 
 const ROLE_HIERARCHY: Record<Role, number> = {
   owner: 5,
@@ -31,46 +45,75 @@ const ROLE_HIERARCHY: Record<Role, number> = {
 
 const PERMISSION_MAP: Record<Action, Role> = {
   "cards.view": "viewer",
-  "cards.create": "editor",
-  "cards.edit": "editor",
-  "cards.delete": "admin",
-  "cards.assign": "admin",
-  "cards.review": "reviewer",
   "cards.export": "viewer",
   "events.view": "viewer",
-  "events.manage": "editor",
   "people.view": "viewer",
   "reports.view": "viewer",
+  "settings.view": "viewer",
+
+  "cards.review": "reviewer",
+
+  "cards.create": "editor",
+  "cards.edit": "editor",
   "uploads.create": "editor",
+  "events.manage": "editor",
+
+  "cards.delete": "admin",
+  "cards.assign": "admin",
+  "cards.reprocess": "admin",
   "users.view": "admin",
   "users.invite": "admin",
-  "users.manage": "owner",
-  "settings.view": "viewer",
   "settings.edit": "admin",
-  "org.manage": "owner",
   "integrations.manage": "admin",
+
+  "users.manage": "owner",
+  "org.manage": "owner",
 };
 
-export function can(role: string, action: Action): boolean {
+export function isRole(value: unknown): value is Role {
+  return typeof value === "string" && value in ROLE_HIERARCHY;
+}
+
+export function roleLevel(role: string | null | undefined): number {
+  if (!role) return 0;
+  return ROLE_HIERARCHY[role as Role] ?? 0;
+}
+
+export function can(role: string | null | undefined, action: Action): boolean {
+  if (!role) return false;
   const minRole = PERMISSION_MAP[action];
   if (!minRole) return false;
-  const userLevel = ROLE_HIERARCHY[role as Role] ?? 0;
-  const requiredLevel = ROLE_HIERARCHY[minRole] ?? 999;
-  return userLevel >= requiredLevel;
+  return roleLevel(role) >= ROLE_HIERARCHY[minRole];
+}
+
+/**
+ * True if role is admin or owner. Shorthand for admin-only UI gates.
+ */
+export function isAdminRole(role: string | null | undefined): boolean {
+  return roleLevel(role) >= ROLE_HIERARCHY.admin;
+}
+
+/**
+ * True if role can edit content (editor, admin, owner).
+ */
+export function canEditContent(role: string | null | undefined): boolean {
+  return roleLevel(role) >= ROLE_HIERARCHY.editor;
 }
 
 export function requirePermission(
   role: string | undefined | null,
   action: Action
 ): void {
-  if (!role || !can(role, action)) {
+  if (!can(role, action)) {
     throw new PermissionError(`Missing permission: ${action}`);
   }
 }
 
 export class PermissionError extends Error {
-  constructor(message: string) {
+  public readonly action?: Action;
+  constructor(message: string, action?: Action) {
     super(message);
     this.name = "PermissionError";
+    this.action = action;
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/middleware.ts b/src/middleware.ts
index b10bd31..c08cbe5 100644
--- a/src/middleware.ts
+++ b/src/middleware.ts
@@ -100,6 +100,18 @@ export async function middleware(req: NextRequest) {
     return NextResponse.redirect(new URL("/onboarding", req.url));
   }
 
+  const role =
+    (typeof token.orgRole === "string" && token.orgRole) ||
+    (typeof token.role === "string" && token.role) ||
+    "viewer";
+  const isAdminOrOwner = role === "admin" || role === "owner";
+
+  if (pathname.startsWith("/settings") && !isAdminOrOwner) {
+    const url = new URL("/", req.url);
+    url.searchParams.set("error", "forbidden");
+    return NextResponse.redirect(url);
+  }
+
   return NextResponse.next();
 }