Deep energy retrofit exterior insulation – GreenBuildingAdvisor

We are doing a deep energy retrofit in Northern New Jersey. The brick siding on the first floor was removed. The second floor sheathing is proud of the first floor sheathing by 2 1/2”. Our plans call for 3” of Comfortboard 80 over a Ben Ob’dyke SA WRB. Over the Rockwool would be 3/4” pine slats for a rain screen. What would be the best approach to ensure the first and second floor are on the same plane?

Option 1: Install 3” Comfortboard 80 + 2.5” Comfortboard 80 + 3/4” pine slat.

Option 2: Install 3” Comfortboard 80 + 2”x4” on the flat (screwed to structure) + 5/4” pine slats instead of the 3/4” (nailed to the flat 2”x4”).

My assumption is that we cannot fur out the wall first because there would be an air gap and defeat the purpose of putting the insulation on the exterior.

Removing existing sheathing and packing out the studs is, most likely, cost prohibiting but remains a possibility.