Hydrolyzes the N-acetamido groups of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in chitin to form chitosan and acetate (PubMed:9133736, PubMed:11812231). Chitosan is a component of the spore wall (PubMed:9133736). [(1->4)-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl](n) + n H2O = n acetate + chitosan Optimum pH is 8. Optimum temperature is 50 degrees Celsius. Monomer. Induced during sporulation. N-glycosylated. Belongs to the polysaccharide deacetylase family.