System Integration: Interrogate The Integration Expert

Code Clarification

Q: Could help me clarify a code issue I'm running into? It's sort of a two-part question.

1. The elevator lobby with stair doors located inside the tenants space and the entry doors are secured by card access. The right thing seems to be to recommend fail-safe locks on the doors and fire system relays. It would seem that these doors should be considered under the same guidelines as stair doors, which would require failsafe locks but be positively latched. What would be your recommendation and do you know of any code that addresses this exact scenario?

2. What is the definition of fire rated door? It can't just simply be any door with an exit sign posted in front of it. Don't many lobby level main entrances have exit signs and they do not have to be positively latched, right?

It surprises me that there are no clear guidelines for these situations.